TLFMagazine Feb-March 2017.pdf · amazing stories to share with you all. It began with feasting on...

www.tlfmagazine.com4 TLF Magazine February - March 2017

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Shweta JoonEDITOR Natascha Shah

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CONSulTINg FOOD EDITOR Rupali DeanONlINE CONTENT CREATOR Digvijay Burman

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CEO Shivani Joon

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mARkETINg ExECuTIvEMary James (North)

Deepna Kumar (West)Rahul Mathur (South)Karan Awasthi (East)

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February - March 2017 TLF Magazine 5

2017 started with a bang for us, at TlF, we travelled to some fabulous places, met some great people and bought back amazing stories to share with you all.

It began with feasting on the most delectable street food in Thailand, a crazy bus journey from bangkok to koh Samui, followed by a beautiful ferry ride and gorgeous three days on the beaches. It continued in the azure waters of maldives, where we spent the entire day snorkelling and stayed in gorgeous water bungalows. It became adventurous when we slept under the stars and camped in beautiful meadows surrounded by the Himalayas in uttrakhand, during our summit to the kedarkantha peak. And it became musical at the World Sacred Spirit Festival in Jodhpur, where we enjoyed three days of sufi music and great hospitality, exploring the heritage city of His Highness maharaja gaj Singh II of marwar-Jodhpur.

besides these travel tales, we bring to you inspiration for this year- from ideas for the long weekends to movies you need to watch when you cannot travel, hotels you need to experience to food trails--we have it all covered. let 2017 be dedicated to you, to good times, to breaking free from routines, to exploring new places, to experiencing new cultures, to meeting new people, to creating memories far precious than your most priced possession!

Travel safe, travel light!

Cheers!

Natascha Shah Editor Write to me at [email protected]: @Tlfmagazine

Dear Readers

This issue of TLF offers you a plethora of things you can do this year- be it movies, hotels or long weekends- we have it all covered!

Hope you enjoy reading it!

CheersShivani Joon

on the cover:

Turn to page: 12 for CEo’s

pick

Carmel market Photo taken by Dana

Friedlander for the Israeli ministry of Tourism.

Courtesy Israeli ministry of Tourism.

Turn to page: 46

CONTENTSFebruary - March 2017

BUZZ08 A musical escape in Jodhpur

10 Weddings at Westin Mumbai

12 17 travel movies to watch this year

14-19 Events, offers and news

CULINARY JOURNEYS48 Berlin for the foodies

51 An Italian feast in New Delhi

52 A Hearty Breakfast

54 Small Bites

STYLE62 Tarun Tahiliani : Bespoke Bridal

64 Nitya Bajaj : Bridesmaids Diary

66 Ritu Kumar : Understated Elegance

WELLNESS 58 The Dead Sea Jordan

61 A Winter Spa

TRAVEL INSPIRATION 20 The gorgeous Tel Aviv

23 A family vacation in California

24 The long weekend travel guide

26 A winter trek in the Himalayas

30 A rendezvous with sharks in South Africa

STAY 32 17 hotels to experience in 2017

36 The Lalit Great Eastern Kolkata

38 A luxury stay in London

40 The Maldives Hotel Guide


East EuropE spEcial

A Musical Odyssey The 10TH EDITION OF WORLD SACRED SPIRIT FESTIVAL IN JODHPUR

A beautiful sunset at Jaswant Thada, the soulful melody of Ustaad Irshad Khan’s Sitar against the backdrop of the

walls of Mehrangarh fort, reflected upon the dull grey water over which pigeons fly, listlessly and we sit, all admirers of art, seekers of solace, and listen intently, filling the cracks in our soul with music. His Highness Maharaja Gaj Singh II of Marwar-Jodhpur sits engrossed in the performance, oblivious to the effect he has on people. Some don’t know who he is, but they know he is an important man- his poise and stature say so. The locals adore him and lovingly call him Baosa. As he sits amongst the crowd, with his wife and enjoys the atmosphere I wonder if he is as

kind as his eyes say he is, later when I meet him, I realise he is only kinder.

In old days, Maharajas would invite musicians to their court and have lavish evenings with great performances, today, here, we are his people. We sit enthralled, patrons of art, enjoying the sweet battle between the tabla and the sitar.

This was one of the many enchanting performance’s that the World Sacred Spirit Festival had on offer. The three-day festival, that started on Friday, focused on artistes from across the world - from the traditional chakri dances to the Baul poetry to the epic chants of Mongolia, from Persian poetry to the ancient songs

of the West, from the metallic notes of the sarod to the deep sounds of the surbahar. In its 10th year, The festival started as a celebration to mark the UNESCO World Heritage Award for conservation at the Ahhichatragarh Fort of Nagaur. It aims solely at conservation and continuation of Sufi/Sacred traditions of India and the World has been a successful and "soulful" experience for national and international audiences. A pioneering effort in Cultural Conservation and Music Tourism in India. The festival has been carefully curated by Princess ShivranjaniRajye, festival Director Alain Weber and Alexandra De Cadaval and Mehrangarh Museum Trust Director Kr Karni Singh Jasol for a decade now.

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For the Maharaja who enjoys music himself the most satisfying experience is that the festival has inspired many new and diverse music festivals across India; “It has manifested itself as a guiding light and thereby enabling larger cultural conservation of our dying sacred arts and music traditions,” he says.

It also contributes to the tourism in Jodhpur with people flying down from different parts of the world. The Maharaja is working hard to put Jodhpur on the global map and promote Heritage tourism in India. He bought the Meharangarh Fort alive to visitors and set up the Mehrangarh Museum Trust in 1972. Today Mehrangarh Museum has a unique importance as a repository of the artistic and cultural history of the large areas of Central Rajasthan and Marwar-

Issa Murad, RishabPrasanna, Zuheb Ahmad Khan from Palestine

Prem Joshua Band - songs around beloved, traditional Indian mantras and shlokas (a type of couplet verse, and the basis of such ancient Indian poetry as the The Mahabharata and Ramayana epics)

Lingling Yu from China – The Art of Pipa - A real and new inspiration played on the classical chinese lute, the pipa

Sahar Mohammadi from Iran – The art of Persian poetry and classical Iranian music from the desert

The Mehrangarh Museum Trust’s commitment and perseverance towards the conservation and rehabilitation of the Fort sets a unique example in the field of Historic rehabilitation. Mehrangarh Museum Trust is a recipient of the UNESCO ASIA-PACIFIC Award in the field of architectural conservation, cultural heritage and adaptive reuse, Award of Distinction by UNESCO in 2005, FassaBortolo Italy in 2011 and Hadrian Award in 2006 by World Monuments Fund. Ahichatragarh Fort, Nagaur managed by the Mehrangarh Museum Trust was recently shortlisted for the famous Aga Khan Award for Architecture.

Jodhpur, ruled by the Rathore Dynasty. Apart from the Museum, the Trust is at the forefront of conservation and restoration, a generous patron of the arts and music and a lively centre of academic study.

The highlights of the World Sacred Spirit Festival 2017 were: Ustad Irshad Khan on surbahar and

sitar in the backdrop of the lake by the Jaswant Thada

Parvathy Baul- Mystical Dance And Poetry To The Stars from the Baul tradition

The Royal family (extreme left) enjoys an evening of music at Jaswant Thada

Ustad Irshad Khan

His Highness Maharaja Gaj Singh II of Marwar-Jodhpur and our Editor

Natascha Shah


Parvathy Baul

Sahar Mohammadi from Iran

www.tlfmagazine.com

A Chic wedding at Westin MumbaiThe Westin Mumbai Garden City makes for a stylish and convenient wedding venue

With close proximity to the International airport, business centers and shopping centers, the

property offers a perfect combination of comfort and convenience for the bride and the groom as well as the guests.

Whether it is a bridesmaid luncheon or a singles only brunch, a poker party for the grooms and his friends or a night of qawali-the Westin Mumbai Garden City can ac-commodate all ceremony events. Pure vegetarian menus can also be designed to suit the guest requirements.

Guests may use the array of facilities to the fullest to relax and renew. The wedding party may pamper themselves at the Heavenly Spa by Westin™, the groom may indulge in power workout at the Westin WORKOUT® Fitness Studio. Alternatively, one can enjoy an afternoon sipping cocktails by the pool side. Tired after all that dancing and just want to The beautiful poolside makes for a great venue

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10 TLF Magazine February - March 2017

Fast FactsThe Westin Mumbai Garden City offersBallroom (4500 sq. ft.)Garden Area (9800 sq. ft.)Accommodating 375 pax theatre style seating 200 pax round table seatingWestin Woods, an open area accommodating 1200-1300 pax

International Business Park, Oberoi Garden City, Goregaon East, Mumbai/ www.westinmumbaigardencity.com

For more information contactVarsha Sachdeva, Account Director - Catering Sales, +91 77389 99287Email: [email protected]

hit the sack? Head to your room and enjoy the billowy comfort of the award-winning Westin Heavenly® Bed, wake up to soak in the moving mural of Mumbai from the floor-to-ceiling windows

Whether your wedding is an intimate gathering or a grand affair, the great team will ensure your big day is a perfect reflection of your personality and tastes. The majestic ballroom and enchanting garden area provide the perfect setting for a fairytale day.

Outdoor seating


East EuropE spEcial

Here are our recommendations:1) Into the Wild (Emile Hirsch, 2007): Take a trip through the west coast, on Christopher McCandless’s cross country journey, his misadventures will take you

along Carthage, South Dakota, the beautiful Colorado river, Slab city and the Salton city in California, a taste of the Alaskan Wilderness. Based on the true

story of a bright graduate who lost interest in the material life and heads into the wilderness to get in touch with his inner self.

2) Thelma and Louise (Geena Davis, Susan Sarandon, 1991): Two best friends drive across the American Southwest in search of adventure, fun and freedom but things don’t really go their way and they get more than

they had asked for. The movie takes you to the West and ends at the great grand canyon.

3) Wild (Reese Witherspoon, 2014): Based on the novel of the same name, this movie follows Cheryl Strayed as she

hikes the Pacific Crest Trail to improve her life, quit her drug addiction, get over her mother’s demise. Wild is everything

a trekker would want to watch-must watch for a beginner, as it will teach you how to survive in the harsh conditions.

Her trek begins in the Mohave desert, southern California, making her way into the northern California and then

hiking into Oregon. You will get to see the Mount Hood National park and the Bridge of the Gods where she

finally ends her trek.

4) Midnight in Paris (Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, 2011): A lost and confused writer

visits Paris with his fiancé and her family and time travels (imagines to) the 20’s, during the

Jazz Age, when Paris was at its best. Nothing better than having a 1920s Peugeot Type

176 car, stop by while you’re sitting in the street of Paris. You will definitely want

to go back in time and live in Paris during the 20’s, so you could take in

all the beauty, Jazz and romance.

5) The Way (Martin Sheen, 2011): A man hikes

to the Camino for his dead son who couldn’t finish the

trek, and ends up realising things he could never have

otherwise. Camino de Santiago is said to be a form of spiritual

healing trek, meant for your spiritual

17 Best Travel Movies of all Times

Travelling to far away lands i not the only way to meet new people, learn about new cultures and discover new places—sometimes all you need to do is watch a good film

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growth, in northeastern Spain. The trekkers are called the pilgrims, you can either walk or rent a cycle to the Camino. It’s an interesting journey which takes up to two months on foot. It is said that remains of the Saint are buried at the camino, for which pilgrims usually trek.

6) Under the Tuscan Sun (Diane Lane, 2003): Who wouldn’t like to watch Italy while lying in the bed on a lazy Sunday evening. A fun movie shot in Tuscany, a must visit destination, shows a recently divorced girl, finding her way through life. She ends up buying an old villa in Tuscany. The vineyards in the mesmerizing Tuscany, the majestic cobbled Italian streets, the old Italian villas, the serenity and the food. Everything would make you want to visit the tiny magical Tuscany.

7) Lost in Translation (Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson, 2003): All about the fast paced life in Tokyo and how two strangers from different paths of life meet at one point and form a bond of friendship that helps them explore the intense and energetic city of Tokyo. Japan is one country that’s filled with things and people that could be beyond your understanding. The language barrier could be the first thing to start with, but the complexities of living and exploring the place makes it even more unique, besides being beautiful. The characters in the movie get acquainted with the people, place and food and becomes a complete adventure.

8) Track (Mia Wasikowska,2014): A true story, In 1977 Robyn Davidson trekked 1700 miles across the Australian outback with four camels and a dog. Her epic journey has been made into a film which shows the girl living in the desert on her own only accompanied by her four camels and a very faithful dog. A rare thing to do especially for a girl during the 70’s when the women didn’t explore much or had many choices.

9) The Darjeeling Limited (Owen Wilson, Jason Schwartz, Adrien Brody, 2007): Three brothers travel to India to grieve their father’s death and meet their confused and unattached mother. The movie tries to show the diverse and colourful blend of cultures that India is. The chaos, the auto rides, busy markets, the warmth of people at the same time. Simple yet complicated lives of the locals, train journeys, backpacking across india.

10) The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (Ben Stiller, Kristen Wiig, 2014): Walter Mitty hates his job and dreams of a more exciting and adventurous life. You will love the breath taking shots taken around the world. Mitty heads to Greenland, Iceland and later to Afghanistan in search of a photographer, on his way he lets go of his inhibitions and naturally start exploring his own limi-tations with the unlimited beauty the nature offers . He is shown jumping into the Gale-force waters(North Sea), biking, running, long boarding over 17 kil-ometers to Eyjafjallajokull volcanic eruption, he also treks to the highest peak of Noshaq Mountain (Northwestern Afghanistan).

11) The Beach (Leonardo Dicaprio, 2000)- Shot in Thailand, it is all about backpacking and the various shenanigans backpackers get into. Sometimes it becomes overwhelming and sometimes the thought of returning to the familiar makes you jitter. The free life a backpacker is always looking for, waking up next to the ocean, bathing in open, eating whatever is available, ly-ing on the beach without keeping a tab on time, sleeping under the starry sky. Thailand has plenty of islands to choose from, The beach is shot at the Koh Phi Phi island.

12)The Art of Travel (Christopher Masterson, 2008): A recent break up makes a guy go on a solo honeymoon trip to Central America. It’s a beautiful movie that shows everything a traveller can easily relate to, the new people, adventures, fun, unpredictability travel offers at every step you take to an unknown destination. And how artful the whole scenario becomes when the journey ends. He explores the wilderness and camp around various parts of Central America.

13) The Motor Cycle Diaries( Gael García Bernal, 2004): Set in South America, this movie focuses on the life of Che Guevara from doctor to a revolutionary. It features some amazing images of South America, from the deserts to the rainforest. Definitely a must watch especially for the motor bike enthusiasts.

14) Hit the road India (Richard Gazarian, Keith King, 2013): A travel documentary about two friends who participate in a 12-day rickshaw rally across India, from Mumbai to Chennai. It’s never enough to watch india and not plan a trip to the country. For its intensity, diversity, culture and an entire-ly different world, a trip worth planning once in a life time.

15) The Way Back ( Colin Farrell, Ed Harris, 2010): Based on a true story that will make you clinch your teeth; in extremely harsh conditions seven prisoners escape a Siberian prison to finally reach India on foot after travelling 4000 miles. They start trekking south to Mongolia, passing Lake Baikal located in Siberia. After reaching Mongolia they decide to trek through Himalayas and head to British India for a safer retreat.

16) Amélie (Audrey Tautou, 2001): A sweet movie about a naive girl in Paris—how she lives her life and is generous to others. An interesting movie in French can easily be watched with English subtitles for the love of Paris.

17) Baraka (1993)- A documentary on natural events, life, human activities and technological phenomena and more shot in 24 countries on six continents over a period of 14-months. The film locations include the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, the Ryoan temple in Kyoto, Lake Na-tron in Tanzania, Kuwait, tribal celebrations of the Maasai in Kenya, and chanting monks in the Dip Tse Chok Ling monastery and a lot more.


East EuropE spEcialEast EuropE spEcialBuzz

Change the tyre of a F1 car

Ever saw F1 race and wondered how the pit crew managed to quickly change the tyre of cars in just a few seconds at the pit stop? A mere view of it gives us an adrenaline rush. Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi, a one of a kind Ferrari

branded indoor theme park gives you a fun filled opportunity to feel that rush yourself. The Tyre Change Show at Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi features two comical Italian mechanics on a mission to fulfil their dream of be-coming pit crew for Scuderia Ferrari. Watch them clown around and attempt to change a tyre of a F1™ car, and then try and do it yourself in the quickest time. Not only that, the theme park also gives you an opportunity to live your dream of driving a Ferrari! Yes right, you can drive around Yas Island behind the wheel of a Ferrari California. For your safety, you will be supervised during your experience, and you must follow the instructions of your pilot at all times. You’ll receive a lesson into how to drive the car from one of their trained pilots, and a Ferrari expert will be on hand to give you some insider tips. With space in the back seat for up to two pas-sengers, it’s the perfect adventure to share with family or friends.

Clinique has collaborated with Crayola® to create a lim-ited edition collection of Chubby Stick™ Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm, in exclusive packaging inspired by your favourite iconic Crayola® crayons. Clinique is

bringing to life this sense of nostalgia, fun, and colourful play for lips this season. Working closely with Crayola®, Clinique has colour matched and named these exclusive shades using some of Crayola’s most unique names like Mauvelous, Razzmatazz, Mango Tango, and Tickle Me Pink. Now, with just the swipe of a crayon, anyone can be transported back to their childhood and relive the feeling of opening a new box of Crayola crayons.

Clinique Crayola Chubby Stick™ Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm will be available for a limited time at select Clinique stores in India from May 2017 onwards.

Cliniquex-Crayola


CurrencyKart Currency Exchange has never been easier!

Brainchild of five visionary startup enthusiasts, CurrencyKart was founded in early 2016 to revolutionise the forex business in the country. The website CurrencyKart.com makes it easy for travellers to exchange their foreign currency by bringing together RBI approved dealers offering forex and similar products and delivering the order to your place at no extra cost.

Easy+SafeCurrencyKart not just provides one with a number of options but also makes sure everything is done with transparency and fair rates are being offered. One can compare and choose from the plethora of options from the vicinity of their home, from their desktops or mobile phones, thus making currency exchange a hassle free process

There is no membership fee, no hidden charges. The rates offered by the dealers are in real time and your order is delivered to your doorstep—a 360-degree solutions to all forex problems!

Presently, CurrencyKart.com is

operating its functions across India with the direct presence in 20 cities and more than

300 money changers are registered with it.


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Allure your taste buds all through March at The Imperial, Delhi. 1911 Restaurant is offering exotic mushroom dishes like Wild mushroom cappuccino with grilled ciabatta, truffle essence; Stuffed Mushroom gnocchi with vegetable fettuccine, baked with scamorza cheese and

pinenut and many more mouth-watering recipes. Vegans can opt for the South-East Asian Restaurant The Spice Route Chef Veena Arora is all set to present an exciting interplay of Vegan food in a myriad flavors with mock meats in themenu featuring Tauhu Phanaeng- Sily Tauhu served with Phanaeng curry and garnished with Kaffir leaves and Soya Phad Phrik- Wok fried Soya with red curry paste amongst other delectable specialties. San Gimignano is the place to relish home-made, hand-crafted pastas with exotic variants like Lobster agnolotti, Asparagus and truffle infused cappeletti pasta and more, curated with fresh seasonal herbs.

Hand Crafted Specials

Savour Strawberies at L’OpéraL’Opéra has crafted two enticing and appealing straw-

berry cakes –the Fraisier and the Strawberry Tart – bringing out the sweet savour of these seasonal de-lights.

The Fraisier, is a classic strawberry delicacy from France. It is made with fresh strawberries, enveloped by fresh cream, topped with white chocolate, and placed upon a Sablé base. The cream adds a succulent taste to the fresh and sweet strawberries.The fresh Strawberry Tart is as simple as it is delectable; fresh strawberries, custard cream and light-as- air strawberry mousse make this a holistic strawberry experience.

www.loperaindia.com

1911 Restaurant( All Day Dining restaurant)1st-15th March 20176:00am-1:00amCall at :+91 11 41116602/ 6603Meal for Two: INR 5000 plus taxes without alcohol The Spice Route( South-East Asian Restaurant)10th-20th March 201712:30pm-2:45pm | 6:45pm-11:45pmCall at : +91 11 41116605Meal for Two: INR 6000 plus taxes without alcohol San Gimignano( Tuscan Italian Restaurant)20th-31st March 201712:30pm-2:45pm | 6:45pm-11:45pmCall at : +91 11 41116608Meal for Two: INR 5500 plus taxes without alcohol

Fraisier

Vegan Delights at The Spice Route

Home made pasta at San Gimignano



The hotel is offering an array of spe-cials across its restaurants—Pamper your Valentine by treating them to a fabulous dinner buffet with a

glass of sparkling wine at the NYC. Sample a spread of seafood specialities, domestic and international cheeses, abundant salads, tradi-tional favourites like Peri Peri Chicken with Pineapple Salsa, Roasted Leg of Lamb, Corn Agnolotti with cherry tomato sauce, Lime basil Fish with crispy ginger and more along with sweet bites of Lemon Swiss Roll with Italian Meringue, Nutmeg and white choco-late Marquise and other sweet temptations to

Lovers celebrate at Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi

complete you Valentine’s Day Celebration Timings: 12.30 – 15.00 Hrs & 19.00 – 00.00 Hrs. Price INR 2100 ++ Go for the all time favourite Kababs Extrava-ganza at TGKF. Complement the flavours of the piping hot Kababs with that perfect glass of Sparkling wine and cherish those warm and loving moments with your loved one.Timings: 19.00 – 00.00 Hrs., Price: INR. 1800 ++ for Veg & INR. 2000++ for Non-Veg Neung Roi: A lavish five course delectable meal along with a glass of Sparkling wine at

Neung Roi, where the restaurant takes you through a culinary voyage of the four regions of Thailand. Timings: 19.00 – 00.00 Hrs, Price: INR. 2000++ You can also woo your loved one with an ar-ray of Special Valentines Desserts available from 10th Feb -14th February at The Pastry Shop. To name a few, Five spiced Milk Choc-olate Cake / Raspberry Strawberry Mud Cake / Pineapple Marzipan pastry / Citrus Red Vel-vet PastryTimings: 9.00 – 22.00 Hrs.Price: For Cakes INR 1500++ & For Pastries INR 160++

A Healthy HangoverRaw Pressery’s association with Sula Fest 2017 is every fitness enthusiast’s dream come true

The vibe at India’s most awaited weekend festival just got cooler. Raw Pressery known to have pioneered cold-pressed juices were the title Sponsors at Sula Fest 2017. Between mu-sic, cold-pressed vibes and heady memories, RAW Pressery

also launched nature’s healthiest cure to all hangovers - Tender Coco-nut Water a.k.a. Nariyal Paani. The electrolyte packed & isotonic rich beverage bottled by Raw Pressery is India’s first fresh bottled coconut water - which is free from thermal pasteurisation. This coconut water is free of preservatives, chemicals, additives, sugars and even water.

Straight from the sands to your hands, the coconut water is a hydration essential for every festival attendee that’d keep the hangovers at bay and keep you feeling light as a feather!

We partied all day to the tunes by some brilliant artists from around the world, not worring about running low on energy- the brand had enough in store for us to get high on health. From freshly squeezed Valencia Orange to the original cold-pressed ganne ka ras, they had us covered!

18 TLF Magazine august - septeMber 2016 www.tlfmagazine.com

louNGE

Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi launches 'The Orb', a brand new lounge bar

This Swanky bar offers a collection of exotic drinks and exclusive cocktails in an eclectic

atmosphere. On the menu are some innovative concoctions like Chamba Booti, Khopdi, Masala T-Knee, Rajkumar and the Orb Marry. The ambiance is relaxed and there are musi-cal performances and a live DJ performance very evening. On Wednesdays and Fridays artistes like Winston Balman, , Minakshi Majumdar, Frisky Pints etc perform.

Timing: 5 PM to 1 AMRadisson Blu Plaza Delhi, Na-tional Highway 8, Near IGI Airport, Mahipalpur, New Delhi/01130806511

The Picnic TableFun, food, games and laughter under the sun, at The Gateway Resort Damdama Lake, GurgaonThe perfect outdoor setting where great food meets adventure, against the scenic backdrop of the Aravalli ranges. The new addition to the exhilarating atmosphere of the resort, The Pic-nic Table is a cozy set-up, reminiscent of one’s childhood. It is an ideal place for intimate family out-

The Picnic Table @ The Gateway Resort, Damdama Lake, Gurgaon

Menu_The Picnic Table_The Gateway Resort

Damdama Lake, Gurgaon


ings, animated conversations with friends and spirited games with loved ones, where one can relive the magical moments of a carefree childhood full of fun and laugh-ter, under the bright blue sky. Setting pace for the perfect picnic, the menu is designed keeping everyone’s favorite comfort food in mind. From Burgers, Wraps, Sandwiches to

delicious shakes and soft beverages, the Chefs have made sure one is spoilt for choice. Ad-venture enthusiasts can enjoy fun activities at the Adventure Zone that includes everything from rappelling, zip lining to bubble soccer, rifle shooting, archery and paintball. Off Sohna-Gurgaon Road, PO Damdama, Gurgaon, Haryana/ 0124 267 7200

Buzz

19 TLF Magazine august - septeMber 2016

Amazing Andaman with Travkart

Travkart offers both online and offline holi-day solutions, specialising in fixed depar-tures and curated itineraries. Escape with your loved one to Andaman and Nicobar

Islands and book it with Travkart which offers hassle-free travel through live inventory and instant confir-mation.

The journey will commence from Port Blair Airport to the picturesque Cove Beach, and to the Cellular Jail. On day two after breakfast proceed to visit North Bay Island (coral island) in a shared boat. At North Bay Island one can see underwater marine life. After North Bay, proceed to Ross Island in a sharing boat, the erstwhile capital of Port Blair during the British regime. On the third and fourth day travellers will head to Havelock by ferry where the journey will be concluded.

Valid till March 2017Arrival from: Port Blair/Departure from: Port BlairPrice per person (in February): INR 16350/-www.travkart.com / 8010038038

La Residence Hotel & Spa is offering two new packages that celebrate the holiday and the city’s traditional food scene. The hotel’s Tet Festive Pack-

age opens the door to two nights in a supe-rior room and a choice between a special Tet dinner menu or a Banh Chung cooking class for two. Banh chung is a sticky rice cake filled with bean paste and pork fat that is to Tet what the turkey is to Thanksgiving in the United States or kimchi is to the New Year in Korea. The Tet Festival Package is available through March 31 at $70 (VND1,560,000) per person per night based on double occupancy. Smack dab in the middle of February, the ho-tel is celebrating the imminence of spring with La Residence Spring Food Fest. From 7 - 10 p.m. on Feb. 14, hotel chefs will serve up more than 40 traditional dishes in the hotel garden while others lead excursions into fes-tive activities and artisans show off traditional handicrafts. Tickets to the evening event cost $52 per person or VND 1,150,000.

Vietnam with La Residence

A Banh Chung cooking class

Havelock Island


travEl iNspiratioN

GORGEOUS TEL AVIVLoose brushstrokes of beauty mark this seaside city like the work of a confident grand master—Tel Aviv truly is a painting that came to life

Words and Pictures by RUPALI DEAN

An hour away from Jerusalem,Tel Aviv is a place that mixes spec-tacular littoral setting with a hip multi-ethnic culture. Tel Aviv was

my home for two days. What people would do normally is stay in the Holy city of Jerusalem and do Tel Aviv on the side – but normal is so boring. And hence we arrived one morning from Istanbul. The great expanse of sea, am-bling by, eateries just opening shop… Tel Aviv was like a spray of icy water on a humid day. Defined by a long promenade lined with little

cafes and eateries, the charming city will stun you immediately, its beauty seeps into your mind and makes a place there forever.

THE OLD CITY & A WONDERFUL DINNERAt the very beginning you come across a wonderful breezy view point that looks out to the sea and the city. Walking along the cobbled pathways of the old quarter, rather kitschy houses, and there are several frescoes throughout the place, which will make you


stop and admire. This was a special place. I stood there looking out for several minutes, there was a soothing loveliness in all this that is hard to describe. As was the dinner I had that day, which is still fresh in my memory. At the Blue Rooster restaurant in Tel Aviv, you must ask for Veal brain in stewed tomatoes, chili, lemon, garlic, cilantro and green tahini. The succulent, delicious preparation gave new meaning to melt-in-the-mouth and was an impeccable combination with the Israeli red wine, one of my great discoveries on this trip.

SEA STROLLLater that night, I walked alone by the sea. The beach was absorbed up by unruly sea that fashioned as much noise as the night crawlers. A few people were out for a quiet stroll, giving me a sense of comfort against the waters. As I sauntered back for the night, I comprehended that I had come upon an extraordinary place. Tel Aviv in Israel is as beautiful as Dubai but only not so clichéd, it’s as elegant as Casablan-ca but softer than; as wild as Manila but yet much more refined.

“Tel Aviv in Israel is as beautiful as Dubai but only not so clichéd, it’s

as elegant as Casablanca but softer than; as wild as Manila but yet much

more refined”

Locals making bread

The local cuisine is a treat to the palate


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THE FAMED CARMEL MARKETSo you will understand why the next morning was spent lazily, and Gaby was left with two hours to show us the things tourists see in Tel Aviv. The real satisfaction in Tel Aviv comes from simply walking around. It’s not all about history and architecture only. In the Carmel market is another sort of gem – shops that sell all kinds of fresh produce and local food stuff. You can taste and buy, or not, depending on the profundity of your ethics and pocket. That said; do not miss the Lapa…its decadent! Walking through this traditional market is one of the vital experiences here, seeing as food is so important. For Lunch I moved on to a restaurant called ‘The Bun’ at the end of the market and the food was fabulous. Wine was consumed liberally and time was totally ignored, as it should be on a vacation, I was smitten.

FAST FACTSBEST WAY TO REACH: Turkish Airlines of-fers the best connectivity. On board the flight to Istanbul, you can tuck away on your lie flat bed seat and sleep like a baby if you are fly-ing Business Class. Of course getting up in between for decadent food…all thanks to the ‘Flying Chef ’, a service I have seen only on Turkish Airlines. And as you gear up for land-ing, you will wake up to that splendid peek of the Bosphorus and will be in love with Istan-bul yet again! From Istanbul is barely under two hours to Tel Aviv.BEST PLACE TO STAY: Located on the beach, this forthright high hotel is a few min-utes’ walk from the shops at Azri’eli ha-Sha-lom Center and the Tel Aviv Marina.


5 Reasons Why you should head to California for a family vacay in 2017DISNEYLAND RESORTThe undisputed granddaddy of theme parks has been leading the way since 1955, invit-ing visitors to spend the day in the ultimate land of make-believe. This beloved Anaheim institution serves up vintage icons like the Matterhorn Bobsleds as well as new innova-tions, like laser lights and soaring fountains in the nightly show World of Color, or mystical mouse antics in Mickey and the Magical Map. The resort, which consists of the original Dis-neyland Park and the adjacent Disney Cali-fornia Adventure Park, has themed ‘lands’ with related rides, shows and attractions.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOODMovie magic, mega attractions - If Hollywood is the land of make believe, then this is your chance to step into that fantasy world. On a sprawling complex on the east side of the Hol-lywood Hills, this movie studio/part theme park blends behind-the-scenes tours with rides that swoosh, swoop, and dive through movie-themed worlds. An adjacent, neon-lit

complex of shops, eateries, and entertainment spaces known as Universal CityWalk lets you stretch out the experience beyond the park.

LEGOLAND CALIFORNIAIt’s hard to say who enjoys Legoland more: the little ones running around in a magical world created by 60 million Lego plastic bricks, or their parents who get a kick out of it too. Walk through Miniland USA for a visual and struc-tural jaw-dropper: expansive miniaturized rec-reations of Washington D.C., New York, and San Francisco, as well as scenes from Star Wars. There’s also a chance to go behind-the-scenes to look at the soundstage and models used dur-ing the The Lego Movie. While the focus here leans towards making little ones smile, there’s plenty to entertain older visitors too: the park has more than 60 rides, shows, and attractions, including three rollercoasters.

SEAWORLD SAN DIEGO From swooshing and swooping rides to inter-active shows and million-gallon aquariums, this is one theme park that truly makes a big, big splash. See—and learn about—the amaz-

ing undersea worlds of animals from around the globe, including walruses, sea lions, polar bears and penguins. See (and touch) harmless rays and sharks, and be entertained by Shamu and other killer whales, as well as dolphins, in daily shows and presentations. Climb aboard a host of rides, too, including Manta, a high-tech roller coaster that has you twisting, div-ing and turning like a ray.

BUENA PARK PLAYTIMEJust northwest of Disneyland Park in Ana-heim, the town of Buena Park offers more places to play. Knott’s Berry Farm features Camp Snoopy with kids’ favourites like Pig Pen’s Mud Buggies, and for adrenaline-seek-ers, sky-high thrills with Rip Tide and other exciting rides. The family classic Calico Mine Ride, the original main attraction of this park (opened in 1960), is still a charmer, with nearly 50 state-of-the-art animatronic hu-mans and dozens more animals.

For more information visit – www.visitcali-fornia.in

The Disneyland Resort California


The Long-Weekend Travel GuideA destination for each long weekend in 2017, because travelling always is the best idea for a traveller!

By Natascha Shah

travEl iNspiratioN

24 TLF Magazine February - March 2017

February: UttrakhandFebruary 24, Friday: Mahashivratri, February 25, Saturday, February 26, Sunday

Read, relish, revive at The White PeaksSnuggle in a cozy corner with your favourite book, relish the view or the simple yet sumptuous home cooked meals, revive your body and your mind with a session of yoga on the terrace or simply spend a weekend walking around and breathing in the fresh air! This is what one can expe-rience at The White Peaks, a quaint, private stay experience in the Himalayan hamlet of Gagar in Uttarakhand.

You can enjoy acharming cottage to yourself with a cozy fireplace and a sun- drenched courtyard that offers a dramatic, panoramic view of the imposing snow-covered Himalayan peaks and the surrounding oak forests. The White Peaks is also a pet-friendly homestay

www.thewhitepeaks.com

March: Vrindavan11 March, Saturday, 12 March, Sunday, 13 March, Monday: Holi

Holi Hai! Celebrate in the playground of Lord KrishnaVrindavan is famous for its Holi celebrations, while the famous phulo ki holi and lath mar holi don't actually take place on Holi (a few days before), go there to witness the widows celebrating the fes-tival of colour-a sight you wouldn't see anywhere else in India. A few years back the widows of Pagal Baba Widow Ashram, Vrindavan decided to break the old conventions and play with co-lours.Also, Banke Bihari, believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna enjoys a great celebration as well, just a day before the main festival. The temple opens its doors to all visitors and the priest throw colours and holy water and the crowd chants in unison.

April: DarjeelingApril 1, Saturday, April 2, Sunday, April 3, Monday: Take the day off, April 4, Tuesday: Ram Na-vami,

Tea estates and toy train ridesSpend a laid back afternoon at Chowrastha, where the locals

meet and connect or take a ride in a toy train through the streets of Darjeeling to Ghum, which also is the world’s highest railway station, try Bhola’s Aloo Dum (near Turnbell School) -a local specialty which is MIMI (their version of Wai Wai) eaten raw with potato curry or dig into a Taipo- a huge dim sum with thick cover, stuffed with beef, with a boiled egg in the centre, at Chok Restaurant in Fancy Market or simply enjoy a cable car ride over breathtaking tea estates, dense forests and beautiful houses— Darjeeling offers all this and much more!

www.tlfmagazine.com

The White Peaks

The White Peaks

Darjeeling

April: KyotoApril 13, Thursday: Vaisakhi, April 14, Friday: Dr Ambedkar Jayanti, Good Friday, April 15, Saturday, April 16, Sunday: Easter/Weekend

Spring, Sushi and SakuraVaisaki celebrates spring in India and this also is cherry blossom time in Japan! Head to Kyoto- a charming blend of the enigma of Japan’s culture and history and the vibrant zest of its sub cultures and nightlife. It is as charming as it is dark, as forward as it is steeped in the past— be it the Geisha district or the gaming arcades, the manicured gardens with happy cherry blossom trees or the make-shift bars and the Kaiseki restaurants—Kyoto is a wonderful place to visit in spring!

When History callsThis UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Northern part of Karnataka has been touted as the largest open monument. Hampi forms an integral part of the ruins of Vijaynagara (the once capital of the Vijaynagara Empire). Apart from the historical significance, the place shares a strong connection to the epic Ramayana. According to the mythological epic, the region is believed to be the site of Kishkindha (empire of the monkey king Vaali and his successor Sugriva).

Owing to this rich history that the region encloses, the Archaeological Survey of India keeps con-ducting excavations in Hampi to discover something new every now and then. These enthralling discoveries also have attributed to the rising interest towards the region among tourists.

Sep-Oct: MunichSeptember 30, Saturday: Weekend, October 1, Sunday: Weekend, October 2, Monday: Gandhi Jayanti

Chug! Chug! Chug! in Munich-Oktoberfest 2017It might be a dry day in India, but the culminating week of the world’s largest beer festival will satiate your thirst! Munich’s largest and most traditional breweries will offer beer of all kinds to six million people celebrating an important part of the of the Bavarian culture. Drink beer by the litre, relish traditional Bavarian foods such as 15-inch wide pretzels. Listen to live brass bands playing traditional Bavarian music and enjoy yourself with hundreds of people from all over the world!

October: Ras Al KhaimaOctober 14, Saturday: Weekend, October 15, Sunday: Weekend, October 16, Monday: Dhante-ras/take the day off, October 17, Tuesday: Take the day off, October 18, Wednesday: Diwali (Ga-zetted Holiday)

Arabian Nights Head to Ras Al Khaimah, the northern-most emirate of the UAE for a truly authentic Arabian expe-rience; from its golden beaches, lush mangroves and terracotta deserts, to the towering Hajar Mountains bordering Oman. Along with boundless natural attractions and activities, visit the ancient archaeological sites for a fascinating insight into rich culture that still runs through the very heart of the local population.

December: BangkokDecember 1, Friday: Id-e-Milad (Gazetted Holiday), December 2, Saturday: Weekend, December 3, Sunday: Weekend

Backpacker’s ParadiseWell, we wonder why did you wait for a long weekend for this one? Bangkok is the most accessi-ble, affordable holiday destination in the world! Go there for the shopping, for its beautiful street food, for the massages and the monasteries—go there to have the best time you will ever have!

December: PragueDecember 23, Saturday: Weekend, December 24, Sunday: Weekend, December 25, Monday: Christmas

Merry making with mulled wineEurope is known for its Christmas but we feel there is one city that takes the cake. The city of Pra-gue looks like a scene out of all the christmas cartoons we have grown up watching- colourful christmas markets tucked between gothic churches, museums and bridges and people sipping mulled wine in tiny cafes with heaters and fur blankets- it is the a gorgeous postcard you got to be a part of!

June- GangtokJune 24, Saturday, June 25, Sunday, June 26, Monday: Id-ul-Fitr,

The enigma of the EastFrom the Himalayan Zoo to the Kyongnosla Alpine Santury—Gangtok offers a great opportunity to experience the wonders of nature. Situated at an altitude of 5500 feet above sea level and on the eastern Himalayan range, the charming capital of Sikkim is the perfect option for travellers who enjoy local food and culture.

August: Hampi August 12, Saturday, August 13, Sunday, August 14, Monday: Janmashtami


Kyoto

Khao San road Bangkok

Prague

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A winter trek in the HimalayasThe Himalayas have forever attracted wanderers of all kinds to scale their glorious peaks and experience their alluring charm. While we cannot begin with climbing the Everest, here is a great trek to start your affair with the Himalayas….

The IdeaFilled with a desire to escape into the wilderness and soak in be surrounded by the raw beauty of nature, the awe inspiring grandeur of the Himalayas, sleep under the milky way-that seems so reachable, so vulnerable from the altitude where one camps while trekking, we decided to leave for a trek. Out of the many options, Adventure Nation seemed to be a good idea. We booked for our first summit to Kedarkantha, the trek takes you towards the Himalayan peaks of Uttrakhand, past picturesque lakes and rivers. The summit provides a panoramic view of the surrounding peaks and valleys and you can see up to 13 peaks on a clear day. It is located in the Govind Wildlife Sanctuary.

Making it HappenBooking was an easy process. We put in a request on the website and heard back from someone the same day. We were explained the itinerary in detail and sent a payment link and once the payment was made we received a list of essentials (packing list, medicines, equipment, important documents - ids, medical certificate) and


package details. E-introductions were made to our fellow trekkers on both email and a WhatsApp group. This was a fantastic idea, it is great to be aware of the situations that might arise while trekking and the things we need to be equipped with, it also helps to be familiar with the people we will be spending a lot of time with. Adventure Nation got brownie points for this.

We had to book our own train/ air tickets to Dehradun from where we were picked by a Tempo Traveller and everything from there on was included in the cost (INR 9800 per person)

The ExperienceAdventure Nation efficiently handled everything and made our journey comfortable and easy—from our ride to Sankari from Dehradun, to the accommodation at a clean hotel in Sankari, which is also the base camp for more such treks. The ride usually takes around 10 hours with lunch and loo breaks. It's always best to reach Dehradun a day earlier so you can meet your group mates and avoid unnecessary delays on the day of the trek.

The trek begins after a briefing by experienced guides, who are there through out the journey as a friend and guide both. They will push you, encourage you, make sure you have plenty of water and eat and sleep right. They will tell you a lot about the surrounding flaura and fauna, will share interesting stories over dinner and also make you play games.

The unsaid rules of a Himalayan trek are: • Listentoyourguide,heknowsthebest.• Leaveyouregobehind,Himalayasisallaboutbeinghumble.• Onemustbowdownbeforethemountainsinordertobe

abletoclimbthem.• Neverpushyourbodyandnever lieaboutyourmedical

situation.

Our guides Bunty Bhaiya and Bhupinder ji were extremely practical and experienced. They handled our group with ease and skill. We were a lot of all age groups, including a gentleman in his sixties. But the entire group made it to the summit without any problem.

We had a great experience trekking to Kedarkantha and completing our first summit, 12,500 ft. From climbing for five to six hours every day, walking amidst the beauty of nature to pitching tents in gorgeous meadows, wrapping ourselves tightly in our sleeping bags in the freezing nights, testing our fitness, to making some great friends. We look forward to more treks in 2017. Treks are not merely a holiday, they are more of a wellness journey and everyone must undertake it at least once in their lifetime.

Visit www.adventurenation.com

Mukesh on of the friendly guides

Some fun in the sun

Our batch with the Trek leaders


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Our verdict on Adventure Nation• Greatservice• Friendlyandexperiencedguides• GoodValueformoney• CleanHotels• EasyBookingprocess• Hygienicandgoodqualityfood

Interacting with the locals

Campsite covered with snow


Swimming with the SharksSouth Africa is blessed to have Great White Sharks close to its shores, making Cage Diving a niche and unique adventure topping every traveller’s to-do list

Known as the Mecca of the Great White Shark, Kleinbaai, has the densest population of these in the world and is a scenic, 2-hour drive

from Cape Town. This is where the The White Shark Project is based. On offer is a private shuttle service, for transfers between the hotel in Cape Town to the Dive Lodge and back again. Alternatively, one can be transported from the V & A Waterfront in Cape Town to Gansbaai, via helicopter. This spectacular helicopter flight takes a mere 30 minutes from take-off to landing and provides breath-taking views of the natural beauty of the Western Cape of South Africa.

At the Dive LodgeA warm smile, a hot cup of coffee and a nutritious continental breakfast await you at the dive lodge in Kleinbaai. The Marine Biologists give a detailed safety briefing, and explain what to expect while at sea, also providing information on all things related to Great White

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Sharks, from their biology and behaviour to their conservation status.

Once ready, you will be taken for a gentle 100m walk down to the harbour to board a 36-foot catamaran, SHARK TEAM.

The Shark Team’s capacity is limited to 20 clients, for a more intimate and personal environment, a whole boat can be booked exclusively.

At the Diving locationThe diving location is a 15-minute boat ride from the harbour. Once there, the team will drop the anchor, scent the water with fish chum and all you go to do is wait for the sharks to arrive. Whilst awaiting the sharks’ arrival, clients receive detailed instructions on how to cage dive. As these nomadic creatures are wild and free, and every trip is unique.

The ExperienceAlong the way, you may encounter some of the other members of the Marine Big 5, such as Common Dolphins, Cape Fur Seals, Southern Right Whales or African Penguins – or receive other visitors to the boat too, such as inquisitive Stingrays, turning your shark

cage diving excursion into an Ocean Safari! The Marine Biologist is always at hand to answer any questions.

The excursion usually lasts between three to four hours, all depending on the sharks and the sea-conditions. On board, picnic snacks will be provided to keep you sustained through all the excitement. Upon your return to the lodge, you will be welcomed with a light lunch of hot vegetable soup and comforting breads. Whilst

The Pre-requisites for a cage dive • Nodivingexperienceisnecessary• Noneedtobeabletoswim• Thosewhodon'twish to go into the

water can view the sharks from the safety of their boat.

enjoying your lunch, the video of your dive will be shown, which was filmed by an

on-board videographer – a wonderful way to share your experience with friends and family back home.

The team at White Shark Projects shares a deep passion for ocean and its magnificent Great White Sharks, which reflects in their work. The White Shark Projects has set a bench mark for responsible tourism in the industry and is a sustainable choice for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will captivate your imagination!

Email: [email protected]/ visit www.whitesharkprojects.co.za

“The fact that there are only an estimated 3500 – 5000 of these endangered

animals left on the planet, makes seeing even one Great White Shark an incredible

privilege”


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17 hotels to experience in 2017From an exclusive Safari Lodge in the wilderness of Africa to an exotic resort in French Polynesia-this is where you need to be this year…

1. Mandarin Oriental Tokyo: A group known best for its service. This partic-ular property in Tokyo is a great relief from the otherwise minimalistic luxury that Japanese hospitality scene is big on. The location of MO Tokyo makes it even more special as it is convenient-ly located in Nihonbashi, and enjoys a bird’s eye view of the breathtaking city skyline.

2. Mayfair London: Some hotels should just be chosen for the love of art and de-sign, Mayfair London is one of them. On offer are over 400 rooms, including 37 suites, one of the capital's largest private screening rooms, The May Fair Theatre.This is also London's most impressive presentation space, with high-definition projection systems, THX quality spec-tacular sound, stage and stun-ning dé-cor throughout.

3. Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi- Abu Dhabi is known for its grandeur. The destina-tion reeks of luxury and Emir-ates is one of the best luxury properties in the world. It was created with the aim of showcasing Arabian culture. Located on 1.3 km of private beach, 85 hectares of lawns and gardens surround the ho-tel, as well 114 domes that are 80 meters high. It contains 394 residences, 302 of which are rooms and the remainder are suites. One facility in the hotel is the beach club. Inside this club a six-kilo-metre cycling/jogging path is present. Other amenities in the club include tennis courts, two watersports, outdoor pools, cricket, a rugby pitch, and soccer facilities.

4. Burj Al Arab Dubai- A luxury hotel lo-cated in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.The shape of the structure is designed to mimic the sail of a ship. It has a helipad near the roof at a height of 210 m (689 ft) above ground. With 202 lux-urious duplex suites, nine world-class restaurants and bars, five swimming pools (three outdoor, two indoor) and a private beach- this property has it all! The Royal Suite, billed at US$24,000 per

night, is listed at number 12 on World's 15 most expensive hotel suites.

5. The Plaza Hotel, New York: This his-toric hotel extends along Central Park in Manhattan and offers timelessly elegant and spacious rooms and suits. One of The Plaza’s most famous residents is the ever elusive and capricious Eloise. In-troduced to the public in Kay Thomp-son’s Eloise: A book for precocious grown-ups – Eloise’s mischief and antics have delighted readers and visitors of The Plaza since its publication in 1955.

6. Atlantis Bahamas- Atlantis Paradise Is-land is an ocean-themed resort on Para-dise Island in the Bahamas. It features a variety of accommodations built around Aquaventure, a 141-acre waterscape, which includes fresh and saltwater la-goons, pools, marine habitats, and water slides and river rides.

7. Marquis Los Cabos, Los Cabos: Mar-quis Hotel is called a “Home” away from home rather than a Hotel. With person-alised service and attention to detail, the hotels considers everything important, the emotions, feelings of the guests to make their stay more pleasant. The hotel lobby is like the famous Arch of Los Ca-bos, Marquis Reforma feature the Aztec God statues as their ancestors and heart of Mexico City.

8. Taj Mahal Mumbai- The Taj Mahal Pal-ace opened in Mumbai in 1903, giving birth to the country’s first harbour land-mark. The flagship hotel of Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces overlooks the majes-tic Gateway of India.This legendary lux-ury hotel has played host to kings, dig-nitaries and eminent personalities from across the globe, and is acknowledged as a world leader in hospitality. Each of the 550 rooms and suites between the palace and tower wing is a striking blend of nostalgic elegance, rich history and modern facilities. Strategically located in Mumbai’s prime historical and commer-cial hub, The Taj Mahal Palace is walking distance from Colaba Causeway, known for its touristy tiny roadside shops.

9. W Retreat and Spa Bali-Seminyak: With 229 rooms, suites, and villas, all de-signed with W signature chic and innovative touches, offering spectacular ocean or garden views, this is the sexiest swankiest ocean getaway. Balance your style and soul at FIT, the 24 hour fitness center or cool down after the beach and treat yourself with a visit to AWAY® Spa or browse an array of fash-ionable items at W The Store. Dine in fine style at the world-class restaurants before socialis-ing the night away in the lounges.

10. Ritz Paris: Fine woodwork and delicate pastel hues compose an inti-mate décor where ultimate luxury resides in every detail, accompanied by an-tique objects and art. Ritz Paris is all about beauty and passion.

11. W Barcelona: Designed by world-re-nowned architect Ricardo Bofill, W Bar-celona sets the scene for a spectacular stay. Located on the beachfront along the famous Barceloneta boardwalk. Check into one of the 473 fabulous gues-trooms & suites boasting panoramic views over the Mediterranean and the city of Barcelona. Mix it up and dine in style at Chef Carlos Abellán’s BRAVO24. Get glamorous on the 26th-floor hot-spot, at ECLIPSE rooftop bar, or make your way down to the signature Living Room to find WAVE & the W LOUNGE for a cocktail (or two).

12. Villa Crespi, Lake Orta, Italy- Located on a hillside few minutes away from the shores of Lake Orta, Villa Crespi is close to the medieval village of Orta San Giulio. The building is from 1879 and the property offers relaxation area with sunbeds, a sauna and a comprehensive range of Ayurveda massages and beauty treatments can also be organised on re-quest. Small pets are welcome. Friendly and welcoming Staff and the owners Cinzia and Antonino Cannavac-ciuolo are often in the hotel to welcome guests personally.The rooms are warm and el-egant with private balconies with lake views or overlooking the gardens. Re-nowned Chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo runs the hotel’s excel-lent two Michelin-starred restaurant. Children up to the age of seven stay free of charge.

13. Hotel Rangá Iceland- Hotel Rangá of-fers 51 luxurious and cozy rooms in var-ious price ranges, including the re-nowned continental suites, decorated and themed after the continents, and a master royal suite.The Suits are De-signed and themed after each of the sev-en continents. The property is per-fectly located to discover and experience eve-rything South Iceland has to of-fer, from the Golden Circle in the west to the Gla-cier Lagoon in the east. It is the perfect base to explore the Icelandic highlands,


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glaciers, volcanoes, black sand beaches, fishing villages, magnificent waterfalls, hot springs, cultural centers, historic places, nature preserves and much more.

14. Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort is a five star beach front luxury hotel in Mykonos, Greece offering the perfect setting for rare moments of romance, luxury and personalised service. Spacious rooms with Aegean inspired ambiance, all made with the finest quality of Greek Marble and the iconic colours of Mykonian ar-chitecture, white and blue.

15. Thanda Safari Lodge- Known for its nine bush suites - each the height of luxu-rious exclusivity and African abundance. Villa iZulu, ideal for celebrities, families and those with a special taste for privacy, is an exclusive bush residence beyond any traditional understanding of extrava-gance and service. And Than-da Tented Camp, with its 14 grand tents and one grande deluxe tent, offers a truly relaxed and authentic safari experience.

16. The Mansion, Las Vegas – Now open to the public, the mansion was secretly op-erated for the high rolling gamblers. The 29 villas are extremely luxurious with pri-

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vate full time butlers, jetted tubs, dining room, walk in steam show-ers and many also have full-size private pools, hot tubs etc. Airport Transfers are in Mansion’s fleet of Rolls Royce P h a n t o m s , and no cabs or public vehicles are allowed to enter the driveway.

17. InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa - Located on the main island in Papeete only two kilometres from the airport and city shopping, this is your first stop in French Polynesia, welcoming you into a lush 12-hectare tropical garden, sur-rounded by clear, cerulean seas. On offer are overwater bungalows, lagoon-view and garden-view rooms, two superb in-finity pools set amid colourful in-dige-

nous plants and towering palms. Relax in the Lobby Bar with a drink, enjoy an intimate dinner at Le Lotus overwater restaurant, or kick up your heels with the hotel’s signature cocktails at Tiki Bar. With a luxury spa, lush overwater bunga-lows, tropical gardens and a wide range of water sports, the InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa is the quintessential island escape, with everything one needs for a true French Polynesian getaway.

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A Sweet Getaway with AmariAll the travellers would agree a short

trip makes for much better a gift than a diamond ring! This Valen-tine’s day fly to Thailand (the ideal

destination from India, when short on time. Create a moment to remember and celebrate love by pampering yourself and your loved one with a delightful and sweet escapade at one of the Amari properties.

Specially designed for couples, the “Just the Two of Us” package is available at Amari Koh Samui, Amari Hua Hin, Amari Vogue Krabi and Amari Phuket. The package offers ro-mantic extras like, at Amari Koh Samui, apart from a honeymoon room set up with a special bottle of wine, couples can enjoy 60-minute Signature Mood Massages together at Breeze Spa and have fun at a Thai cooking class. Trav-elling to the resort will also be easy with com-plimentary round-trip transfers between the hotel and the airport.

Special Stay for a Special DayPamperyourselvesthisValentine’sDay,asVivantabyTaj–President,Mumbaioffersa‘Suite’dealtohelpyoumakeamemory.The‘RomanticGetaway’RoomPackage, curated specially for Valen-tine’sDay, includesaonenightstay ina Suite, sparkling wine, a one hour cou-ple’s massage, and breakfast in bed.Guests are also offered a table d’hôtedinner at The Konkan Café, to ensure thisdayofloveiscelebratedtoatee.

Price: INR 22,000 (Plus taxes)For reservations email: [email protected]

Meanwhile, the Honeytouring Package at Amari Vogue Krabi is perfect for those seeking a sweet, yet adventurous, trip. Starting with a half-day trip to the hotel’s rural honeybee conservation project, couples will be taken on a personal tour with the resident apiculturist to observe the hon-eybee’s natural habitat, as well as the honey har-vesting and bottling processes. The couple will then be invited to indulge in a specially designed Honey Treatment experience at Breeze Spa where the raw organic honey harvested from the farm will be used. When the sun sets, a romantic candlelit dinner on the beach completes the day.

Packages start from 11,700 THB++ (approxi-mately 320 USD). To learn more or to make a reservation, please visit www.amari.com/hotelpackage.

*Package inclusions and prices are subject to change, depending on location, room type and period of stay.


Here is why Kolkata's The Lalit Great Eastern is the best option for an opulent stay, that will rejuvenate you both mentally and physically. There are many reasons behind its title of The Jewel of the East...

Luxury Steeped In HistoryBY RUPALI & BAKSHISH DEAN

A legacy milestone that has watched the growing history of India, predominantly of Bengal, The Lalit Great Eastern from its initial days as a flourishing confectionary shop and assembly place for the East India Company’s offic-

ers in the late 1830’s, is a carnival of the iconic bequest of the Raj. Denoted to as the ‘Jewel of the East’ and the ‘Best Hotel East of the Suez’ by revered Mark Twain, it has been running successfully for over 165 years. Post a painstaking seven-year refurbishment, the ho-tel cabinets an idiosyncratic amalgam of the Victorian, Edwardian and Modern-day style and décor.

LOCATIONNot too far from the white Marble Victoria memorial in one of Kol-kata’s most cosmopolitan precincts, close to shopping, the famed Park Street and the business district, The Lalit Great Eastern Kolkata offers an exclusive sanctuary in the heart of the city. The moment I entered the gates of the hotel, we paused taking in the Great Eastern’s heritage and history through the beautifully restored century-old piano in the lobby. The Fish is considered to bring you luck and the fish-head at the entrance illuminated the lobby with ambient hues that we felt we were in a different world altogether. To enjoy Kolkata like the ‘celebrities’ in

the olden days is no longer impossible; or at least live like one for a few days…out here! The air of tranquillity set in, our check in was done in a jiffy and we were led to our room in the Heritage block.ROOMS & SUITESOne hundred and ninety five keys open the doors to the largest luxury rooms and suites in Kolkata replete in the Heritage Block and New Block at The Lalit. The Heritage Block emits the appeal of the British Colonial Era, whereas the Modern Block integrates a present-day look and feel, heightened with genuine Bengali artwork, craft and design elements. We walked into our legacy room, inspired by the Edward-ian era, exuding the timeless legacy and heritage of the hotel through restored furniture, bay windows and original spiral staircase, to name just a few. Our room was spacious (read oversized) and bursting with day light. Bejewelled in earnest creamy tones with plush, relaxed in-teriors, our room featured top class amenities. I loved the iron pillars which incidentally are so strong that later were also used to build the Howrah Bridge.

FOOD & BEVERAGEEach experience at the four dining spaces and Wilson’s the pub was top drawer and offered a great variety of both drinking and dining!

Gazebos at The Atrium Lobby Grand Piano in lobby

Bengali Menu Legacy Lounge

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AT A GLANCEWHAT: A luxury HotelWHERE: The Lalit Great Eastern is at 1, 2, 3, Old Court HouseStreet,DalhousieSquare,Kolkata,WestBengal700069TEL: 033 4444 7777WEBSITE:www.thelalit.com/the-lalit-great-eastern-kolkata/MEETING FACILITIES: The Great Ball Room is one of the largest banquethallsinthecityrepletewithapre-functionareaandatower-ing35ft.highceilingspreadover8000sq.ft.TheQuorum,thefourmeeting rooms is complemented with state-of-the art conference fa-cilitiesincludingWIFIandthereis24hourafullyequippedbusinesscentreaswellalongwithsecretarialservicesifrequired.VERDICT:Amerger of resurgencemagnificenceandpresent-dayélan,thisextravagantmarveloutfitstothebeaumondefromroundtheglobe.

‘Alfresco’ is not your typical buffet restaurant and it serves one of the best breakfast with Chef Madhumita overseeing the hotel kitchens and yes out here she spices up Bengali cuisine with innovation and experi-ence to perfect the revered four pillars of the cuisine ! If you are in a Tea mood, ‘Tea lounge’ is there to satisfy all kinds of cravings; offer-ing selection of finest tea from 16 estates, savouries, small bites and a vivid selection of desserts. ‘The Legacy lounge’ is synonymous with leisurely sojourns, this is where early evening meetings turn into and evening coffee gives way to sundown sessions, effortlessly. The Legacy Lounge hosts a collection of old artefacts of the-then Great Eastern Hotel. All the artefacts starting from the decanters to the water jugs now are used as flower vases bearing the logo of the hotel of course! The smoking area of the lounge also has many antique artefacts like the blue pottery which was manufactured by the company, Delfts in Holland, Amsterdam in 1575. We loved our ‘Grills’ for dinner one evening, so the Chargrilled Chicken inspiration marinated with lem-on juice and other herbs is spectacular and yes the Barbeque Lamb rack with salsa is outstanding. Interestingly Mr. David Wilson had opened ‘The Bakery’ even before he built the hotel so it carries a lot of nostalgic value and hence the hotel still retains the same name. To bring that antiquity alive the huge Side Flue bakery oven which was substituting the old bee hive oven has been used in parts and pieces in the present bakery to give the same aesthetic feel. For example the mouth of the Bakery Oven is there to see right in front of the entrance and the oven body structure has been used to experience a private dining room where you actually sit inside the oven to relish the fresh bakery products. The ‘puffs’ and ‘Beans on toast’ are hands down the best in Kolkata at The Bakery!!

SPA…AAHSpread across 13000 sq. feet, the Spa is an integrated area catering to

health, fitness and beauty, all under one roof. The highlight of the Well-ness Centre is luxurious ambience along with ancient Indian practices as well as specialized Western treatments. The environment and facili-ties are designed to cater to international standards offering an array of treatments incorporating an ‘East meets west’ philosophy. A USP here also is the unparalleled experience of an Aqua Bed - first of its kind in Kolkata

STAFF AND SERVICEThe lovely Guest Relation Executive Nandini helped us with every-thing we needed, a wakeup call, itinerary, restaurant suggestions our luggage etc. Wonderfully warm and gracious staff adds an edge to the utterly delightful property.

Wilson's The Pub

The Legacy Suite 22 Couple Treatment Room at Rejuve-the spa

Tea Lounge


East EuropE spEcial

The Montcalm Royal London House- City Of LondonA Touch Of The Good Life

BY RUPALI DEAN

Where business London meets ingenious London, there’s definitely novelty in the air. To the south are St Pauls, the Thames and the corporate strongholds of London and to the north, the imaginative and digital inventors of Shoreditch and Tech City. At the core of it all lays the Montcalm Royal London House, an exclusive new terminus for business travellers, holidaymakers and urban voyagers to experience an area alive with possibility.

The lounge

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LOCATIONAs you walk the streets of London’s chic Fins-bury square precinct, you come upon what looks like a piece of Art. As you step closer the glass doors slip away, revealing a realm bursting of marvels within – a lively reception area with hip young people hopping about efficiently; a de-signer restaurant and bar, just past the reception, attracts attention with art work, a show kitchen, the whole space speckled with kitsch.

ROOMS & SUITESThe 253 self-contained luxury rooms and suites are gorgeously designed and balance harmony and material comforts with a splash of glamour. Two of the ninth floor suites, each with their own terrace, are also available for private events. All rooms also have I-Pod dockets, Wi-Fi internet access and 55 inch LCD screen televisions and a mini bar that is replenished every day. My studio suite was stylish and thoughtfully equipped, had plenty of natural light and fresh air with a sepa-rate living room and working area, and invig-orating power showers and pampering Herm’s bath products. What I loved most was the Fins-bury Square facing view which I thoroughly en-joyed watching whenever I sipped my cuppa tea. I slept like a baby on the goose down bedding, a comfortable pillow from the pillow menu (I went for a hard and a soft one) and crisp white cotton sheets. I also had access to the luxurious Club Lounge. All in all The Montcalm Royal London House perfect for long or short term stays for art aficionados, culture seekers or business tourists in want of someplace special to lay their head, as here’s where you get a touch of the good life.

DINING OPTIONSThe restaurant located on the lobby level doesn’t fail with its intriguing mix of traditional travel-ler’s fare and new –age cooking. It is quite bis-tro in style and one can enjoy breakfast here or later in the day just wash away one’s fatigue with a glass of craft ale, cocktails and bar food or just stroll across in the evening for a glass of gor-geous wine. Here, the accent is on redefining the classics with a creative twist. Understated mid-century styling meets twenty-first century tech throughout, from the appealing lobby to the ar-resting new Aviary rooftop restaurant, revealing a fresh perspective of the city. The run by Tom

and Ed Martin’s ETM Group is a must go to if in London, is the place to go for evening cock-tails with city sights from the south-facing ter-race. Burdock, a second restaurant and bar has recently opened its doors and is quite exciting! And if you are lazy just order in from the room service menu.

REJUVENATE If a soothing ambience coupled with lilting mu-sic is your idea of a relaxed evening then the Club Lounge is where you should be. The interiors are understated with comfortably - spaced tables and warm lighting making Club Lounge an ideal place for visitors to unwind from a hard day’s work or just relax and catch-up with friends. The state-of-the-art spa and gym along with cut-ting edge meeting spaces for up to 300 add up to make the Montcalm Royal London House one of London’s most stylish new spaces. At the Spa, one can start with the Jacuzzi or steam room, allowing the gentle warmth to calm the mind and body. With a plethora of options it can be rather tough to decide on what kind of spa ex-perience to opt for, whatever you choose is sure you will be pampered and will be relaxed and refreshed and the indulgence is totally guilt free. Hotel guests can work out at gym and there’s a banqueting suite on the lower ground level, with contemporary amenities, to cater to all kinds of events.

STAFF AND SERVICEIn one word the service was impeccable. Hotels like this make you happy because someone has paid such attention to detail, made such an effort to make every small thing a thing of joy for you. I, for one, am turned a complete fan.

AT A GLANCEBEST WAY TO REACH: Fly Virgin Atlantic pre-mium economy to London, it’s the most economical and comfortable way to reach from India. From the airport you can either take the Heathrow express until the nearest tube station or grab a taxi to the hotel.WHAT: Designer Boutique HotelWHERE? Montcalm Royal London House - City Of London, 22-25 Finsbury Square London, EC2A 1DX United Kingdom TEL: +44 (0) 20 3873 4000 / E-MAIL: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44(0) 7525 594 562

The welcoming reception

Room

A well appointed room A spacious bathroom


www.tlfmagazine.com40 TLF Magazine august - septeMber 2016

Celebrating the Full MoonThe Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort and Spa is the perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate

By Natascha Shah

I knew I had to spend the full moon some-where close to nature, where skyscrapers didn't block sunshine, where the sky was not covered with patches of smog, where

I could sleep under the stars and swim in the moonlight and that is when I planned a trip to Maldives.

The coral islands with their blue lagoons and extensive reefs are all about unwinding in the lap of luxury, sipping coconut water on the beach, reading a book on the sun deck or simply chilling on a waterbed. I was looking forward to spending two days doing all this at the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort and Spa in the North Atoll. I was travelling with my partner and it was our wedding anniver-sary—celebrations were in order.

We smelled the ocean as soon upon exiting the Male airport— there it was in all its vast-ness, caressing our hair with its cool breeze, immediately filling us with a desire to jump right in. A fleet of speed boats waited to take us to our resort. The Maldives consists of 26 ring-shaped atolls, which are made up of more than 1,000 coral islands. It is compulso-ry to take a water taxi from the airport to the resort, there also is an option of a sea plane. It is not included in the room charges and it cost us INR 20,000 for two people- one way.

Our water bungalow at the resort was eve-rything that we needed for two days of sheer bliss. We had 24 hour access to the ocean—the water around the bungalows is only

What a wonderful life (underwater)

The Water Bungalows


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“A school of stripped black and white fish with

yellow dots swam in circles like naughty little children

on a merry-go-round. A couple of translucent off

white fish swam shyly in a corner, oblivious of their

beauty”

around five feet (or less, depending on the tide) deep, hence one can float/snorkel/swim easily, a comfortable bed, spacious bath-room and a deck from where we could simply jump right in and that is exactly the first thing we did! One could just float in there the whole day. We only came back up for food. The resort has a great in room dining menu, which offers everything from Indian to Sri Lankan and European.

In the evening, we decided to try one of the seven restaurants and bars and opted for Baan Thai, the Thai Specialty restaurant. The food tasted authentic and the best part was the serving size, the menu had the option of ordering a large or a small serving, which I think is a fabulous idea! After dinner we headed back to our bungalow and decided to sleep on the sun bed on the deck, under the twinkling sky. The next morning, warm sunlight gently woke us to the view of the glorious ocean. It was a perfect day to snorkel. We went to the activity centre to collect our complimentary snorkelling gear, which we were to return before checking-out. We could have done a host of activities like feeding the sharks, banana boat rides, surfing etc but we chose snorkelling around our water bungalow appealed to us the most.

At first I thought there really isn't much to see besides a couple of extremely tiny fish, right by the steps that led to our bungalow but I was wrong. As we ventured further I saw a vast variety of fish in various shapes, sizes and colours. I could spend hours swimming with them. They don't let you get too close, you have to move as less as possible and observe them from a distance. It was like what a school ground would look like during recess. There was a fat yellow fish with orange and purple fins nibbling on seaweed like a little kid with a lollypop, it seemed to be enjoying itself.A school of stripped black and white fish with yellow dots swam

in circles like naughty little children on a merry-go-round. A couple of translucent off white fish swam shyly in a corner, oblivious of their beauty. And then there were the bullies— I kind of screamed when i turned to my left to see a dozen of gigantic fish. They were so close and looked so big that I almost tried to run underwater! I can’t help but laugh out loud when I think back and remember how much I panicked. They don't harm you, unless of course you harm them. They seem to be strong though as I saw one of them move a big rock. Snorkelling is a lot of fun but do it only if you know-how to swim. We wore lifejackets as a precautionary meas-ure.

After a day in the ocean, we decided to prep for our anniversary din-ner by going to the Spa. The signature Shine Spa offers various treat-ments to rejuvenate the skin—a selection of signature massages such as traditional Thai, aromatic body, deep ocean, with ingredients derived

Pad Thai at Baan Thai

The sun deck at the Water Bungalow


Hotel InformationConveniently located on a private island just 10 minutes from the Malé airport.Offers over 176 guest rooms ranging from beach cottages to over water villas – all furnished in tropical style with the finest of amenities.A great location for signature facilities and amenities suited for couples, families, and small weddings.Furanafushi Island, North Male Atoll, Maldives/ +960 664-2010/ www.sheratonmaldives.com

from the natural Maldivian environment. We opted for a deep tissue massage and fell asleep within the first ten minutes!

We got back to our bungalow to discover champaign and cake- a sweet gesture from the hotel and decided to pop it after dinner. An-niversary dinner has to be grand and Sea Salt the fine dining restaurant was the perfect op-tion. It offers al fresco private lagoon setting, the finest selection of seafood and meats and live cooking stations where chefs barbeque lo-cally caught fish, lobster and shellfish, prime steaks and other imported meats. We ordered lobster and fish which were grilled to perfec-tion.

And as the moon looked down upon us, we sipped champaign on a water bed, floating in the cool waters that dazzled in the silvery wasps of moonlight, etching golden memo-ries in our hearts.

The good life

Snorkel all day!

Tempted to jump right in


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The New Niraamaya Retreats

Niraamaya Retreats has been en-gaged with remarkable enhance-ments of its Thekkady property under the direction of an Indo-

Italian architecture firm, Kumar La Noce. The newly revamped Niraamaya Retreats Carda-mom Club offers new rooms, an infinity pool, spa and much more!

Complementing the existing plantation-style cottages, the newly added rooms are built on stilts to maximise the majestic mountain views. All rooms have air-conditioning, a fea-ture exclusive to only a few properties in the region; and amenities such as a minibar, Wi-Fi, and luxurious bath amenities.

Set amidst verdant forest canopy, the new

15-meter infinity pool overlooks the valley and the verdant mountains beyond. The terraced decks from the all-day dining restaurant, Café Samsara leading to the pool offers the perfect perch for an early morning Yoga session or for guests to enjoy the expansive views of the forest. In the evening the deck elegantly transforms into an outdoor space that draws pre and post-dinner guests to savour the pure mountain air.

The new Niraamaya Spa, built on stilts and

made from Bangkirai wood from sustainable plantations in Indonesia is the perfect combi-nation of functionality and elegance. Spread across 1200 sq. ft., the spa features a lobby and fully-equipped Ayurveda and International therapy rooms with private outdoor sit-outs. The interiors follow a warm palette comple-menting the green backdrop.

For more information visit: www.niraamaya.in/ email: [email protected]

In the lap of nature

Sleep in comfort

Good food leads to a good day


ClubMed: Redefining Luxe Vacations

Azure waters, silver sands, swaying palms, white sandy beaches surrounded by a jewel-like lagoon and crystal clear water - The luxury Eco Villas at ClubMed’s Finolhu Villas, Maldives will transport you to paradise


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The harbinger of the ‘All Inclusive’ concept, Club Med (Club Mediterrene) lures the guests with superior choices of luxury,

relaxation, water sports, beach parties and unlimited choice of gourmet and beverages. ClubMed Finolhu has 52 Villas (151 to 168 sqm / 1 628 to 1 811 sq ft) on stilts or on the beach each having its own terrace and private pool. Built on a fabulous 5-hectare lagoon, the Villas have a Welcome Lounge, gourmet restaurant and magnificent bar round a spacious swimming pool. Wellness facilities include tennis courts, a fitness room, Club Med Spa by ILA and a pontoon for leisure and water sports which enliven and energies the guests as soon they step inside the resort premises.

ClubMedFinolhu is a dream destination for couples looking for ultimate luxury living and bespoke service. Located on the island of Gasfinolhu, the ClubMed’s Finolhu Villas provide the perfect set up to enjoy the magical oasis of peace and privacy that Maldives offers. A seamless amalgamation of modern and traditional infrastructural design, the resorts are ecofriendly in nature and define a statement of elegance and luxury.

ClubMed G.O’s (Gentle Organizers) are on-hand the moment the guests get off the plane at Male International Airport. The G.Os are always around to ensure that the guests enjoy every moment during their stay.

From a discreet butler catering to the guest’s needs, a personal plunge pool and staircases that leads straight into the ocean, the Finolhu Villas makes every moment special.

Visit www.experienceclubmed.co.in for more informmtion


Conrad MaldivesBarefoot luxury meets unpretentious style in Rangali Island

When you get to experience the best of Water Villas, Suites, Spa in an Island that offers three different resort experiences spanned across two islands, you feel pampered and isn't that why you decided to go to Maldives in the first place?

At the five-star Conrad Maldives Rangali Island guests enjoy the quintessential Maldivian hideaway on tiny Rangali Island while also having access to the facilities of the larger and livelier main island which is linked to it by a 500m bridge. The third resort experience is at the Spa Retreat, an over-water destination spa that operates as a resort-within-a-resort. Find bliss in the resort’s two spas, dine in the 12 restaurants and bars, enjoy an extensive range of excursions, diving and water-sports options, and snorkel in the resort’s vibrant coral reef, which is just steps from the beach.

Accommodation varies from 5o romantic Water

Villas on Rangali island and 79 contemporary Beach Villas tucked away amongst tropical greenery on Rangalifinolhu, to 21 stunning over-water villas at The Spa Retreat. Each villa features architecturally designed facilities and amenities that combine integrated indoor-outdoor living spaces that sit in perfect harmony with the environment.

The stand out feature of the Beach Villas and Suites is the outdoor bathing pavilion with a deep sunken bath which can be filled upon request for a luxurious ‘Bathing Experience’ ritual, featuring candles and other decorative features. The water Villas offer many more options like enjoying your vacation lying in your own private Jacuzzi or plunge pool and stairs leading directly into the aquamarine sea.

DiningThere are also plenty of dining options to

choose from. Conrad Maldives is a gourmet’s delight with a choice of 12 world-class restaurants and bars featuring the world’s first undersea restaurant Ithaa and Chinese celebrity Chef Jereme Leung’s Ufaa. The dining experience at Conrad Maldives is distinguished by the diversity of cuisine and uniqueness of settings. The Villu Restaurant is dedicated to the art of food and wine pairing. Atoll Market is an interactive marketplace featuring eight buffet style kitchens, offering cuisine from around the globe. One can watch flames dance on the open grill as Chef prepares up to 10 courses of Japanese cuisine under the stars at Koko Grill or enjoy an overwater dining specializing in grilled seafood and meat at Sunset grill.

The Bars include the Rangali Bar offering all day dining, wines, beers and cocktails by the pool overlooking the lagoon, The Cheese


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and Wine Bar Home to 101 types of cheese curated by the Maitre de Fromage and Vullu Bar offering wines and champagnes by the glass.

WellbeingConrad Maldives Rangali Island offers two unique Spa experiences, The Spa Retreat on Rangalifinolhu Island and The Over-Water

Spa on Rangali Island. Combining expertise from around the world with carefully selected products and therapies. There are full-service salona as well.

Leisure ActivitiesConrad Maldives Rangali Island offers recreational activities to suit all tastes, such as water sports, snorkelling safaris, private yacht excursions and yoga to name a few. There are also Private Beach BBQ, 24 hour Fitness centre. Not to miss Conrad Maldives Rangali is also a wedding destination and offers various interesting pre-wedding options as well.

The exclusive Conrad Lounge is another one of really cool options the guests can take advantage of. The lounge offers welcome respite after a long international flight. From complimentary shoulder massages, Children’s play room, balcony with sun loungers, complimentary light breakfast and snack buffet until 5pm, Extensive dinner buffet, to complimentary WiFi, it offers everything for the guests to cherish their vacation.

Visit www.conradmaldives.com for more details

The world's first under sea restaurant Ithaa

Enjoy a luxurious bathing experience


East EuropE spEcialculiNarY JourNEYs

FOOD TRAIL IN BERLINBy RUPALI DEAN

From a two Michelin to street food, our Consulting Food Editor Rupali Dean tells you where to make your taste buds croon in Berlin.

Without a doubt, Berlin is Germany’s food capital. With a growing cu-linary scene and affordable living, Berlin attracts visitors from across

the world. Berlin’s food scene today opponents many of Europe’s top cities and it keeps getting en-hanced! You should be able to use my little food guide below to find unique and interesting things to do in Germany’s most happening city!

FISHERS FRITZ AT THE REGENT…BERLIN’S ONLY 2 MICHELINWHERE: The Regent, Charlottenstraße 49, 10117 Berlin, GermanyTEL: +49 30 20336363Ever wanted to live and dine like royalty? Nestled in the heart of the city’s great-est inspiring square, the Gendarmenmarkt the Regent offers the magnificence of stylish design and the extravagance of a world class hotel. From my arrival in

the grand foyer, filled with spectacu-lar craftsmanship I was swept into another world. Regent swanks a 2 Michelin star, which was the focus of my stay here aka the Fischers Fritz, restaurant. Chef Christian Lohse of-fers French-influenced creations and the gorgeous set menus are worth indulging in. Seafood is an absolute must try here; the roasted cod with borscht vegetables and coriander whey for example is a stellar prepa-ration. Recommendations go all out for the crispy baked Onsen egg with black chanterelles, cauliflower purée with lemon salt and lobster bisque-a well balanced bouquet of flavours. The Lobster bisque lent a wonderful, graceful frothy touch and the onsen egg was astonishingly fresh, cooked to perfection, golden in colour so breaking the egg was a sheer delight. The contrasts between luxurious and rustic, raw and cooked, hot and cold, land and sea, bitter and acid, herbs and flowers, sophisticated and simple create and ecstasy for the senses.

A Panoramic view of Berlin courtesy Berlin Tourism

The Fischers Fritz at The Regent


NOBELHART & SCHMUTZIGWHERE: Friedrichstraße 218, 10969 Berlin, GermanyTEL: +49 30 25940610The creations flatter the taste buds, while the presentation is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate and behind the flavours are the freshest ingredients possible in Berlin which is not that an easy task. Billy and Chef Micha do it rather well in the ten course offering, for example there is no lemon for acidity and no pepper for season-ing, as both are not locally grown. There is also no chocolate for desserts or olive oil for cooking. The kitchen crew is smart and spend the summer and autumn for pre-serving things for winter to make sure they could spice up the menu. The cooking is

translated through sourcing fresh local ingredients and ensuring each dish is distinctively unique in flavour and texture. The ingredients are sourced from local farms and are almost all organic which also reduces carbon foot print for transporting produces from far off places. The menu showcases mod-ern Berlin cuisine and is designed to provide a haven in which to rest the sense, food is given a pride of place. Fairy tales can also take place on a table when the magical powers of a chef make seasonal ingredients tell a story of flavours and colours. This results in perfect balance of flavour and texture, the beauty of simplicity, and the understated sensuality in each course. On offer are also Local wines of and beers sourced local replete with good taste. Small treats herald great ones; here the word ‘cuisine’ evokes rather unusual associations, innovative tastes.

THURSDAY STREET FOOD MARKETWHERE: Every Thursday from 17h to 22h Eisenbahnstraße 42-43, 10997, Berlin GermanyFamous as the patio of the kitchen creatives, this is unquestionably one of the key cabi-nets of what is newest in Berlin gastronomy. Street Food Thursdays Markthalle Neun is one of Kreuzberg’s most widespread weekly gastronomic things to do in Berlin. Re-stored to novel glory as a ‘place for all’ mar-ket hall, approximately over a hundred and twenty years after it originally opened; Its lengthy history is obvious in its tall curves and glass roof, though the fresh aroma of food intense from during the week restates you this is an assorted market food experi-ence. You can take a tour of the sphere over the plates on offer from many of Berlin’s en-ergetic colonizer communities. The appeal, of course, is in the occasion to taster heaps of petite nibbles from across the globe. Street Food Thursday is edible proof that Berlin is a gastronomic melting pot whose assortment is noticeable in its horde of dependable food cultures. What exactly does that mean? British pies, Chinese dumplings, Mexican tacos, Peruvian ceviche, Currywurst, Pork knuckles, Korean buns…the grade goes on and there’s something new every Thursday!

Nobelhart & Schmutzig - Micha Schafer (left) & Billy Wagner (right)

Leek, Parsley at Nobelhart & Schmutzig

Thursday street food market

Thursday street food market

Mushrooms, beans, mint at Nobelhart & Schmutzig

Sour cherrys, yeast, sorrel at Nobelhart & Schmutzig


East EuropE spEcialEast EuropE spEcial

www.tlfmagazine.com

EINSUNTERNULLWHERE: Hannoversche Str. 1, 10115 Berlin, GermanyTEL: +49 30 27577810This is one restaurant that lives up to its hype. Chef Andreas Rieger is only too aware of the enormous potential of his land and with great expertise blends the region’s products into harmonious perfection, exalting classic and contemporary elements of the cuisine. Owner Ivo Ebert’s draws inspiration for his menus from the beats of the season and the out-standing, natively-grown ingredients of his handy network of producers and artisans and his restau-rant is a musing of dignified soft composure, all glass, and pale wood and hand-thrown porcelain. So far again, the hymn is purlieu and a parade of beautiful wines. Dishes look like Japanese artworks, even humble ingredients such as button mush-rooms twisted into things of sophistication with crisped hazelnut purée. What sets this passionate restaurant apart from its Berlin dukes is simple: it showcases how far simplicity can take you. It is absolutely worth returning to this restaurant. I am positive chef Andreas Rieger and his team will get Einsunternull a Michelin star really soon – it’s completely a restaurant which has a tremendously clear-cut connotation towards tradition.

ZUR LETZTEN INSTANZ WHERE: Waisenstraße 14-16, 10179 Berlin, GermanyTEL: +49 30 2425528City centre banqueting with the dreamy echo of a clan abode, ‘Zur Letzten Instanz’, Berlin’s oldest restaurant accurately interprets into the last resort and has done a thriv-

ing business since 1621 with such authentic indigenous fare as roast pork knuckle and Bouletten (Berlin-style meatballs) that go best with a mug of frothy beer. On the menu are genuine and native German cuisine showcasing Berlin specialties, and in-terestingly each dish is bap-tized after a lawful process, such as ‘Beweismittel’ which translates into Evidence and actually is a cabbage roll with mashed potatoes and salad. The kale soup that I had was stupendous with sour cream for additional flavour. An-other enjoyable creation was the ‘Zeugen-Aussage aka witness testimony’ the pork knuckle set flawlessly togeth-er with the farmhouse bread, sauerkraut, pureed split peas and smoked bacon. Accurate flavours seem to entice the well-travelled and perceptive palates. The restaurant truly arrests the nourishing good-ness of pastoral German fare in an old-world setting.

FAST FACTSBEST WAY TO REACH: Fly Air France on Business Class, if you book in advance like me you can get an extremely good rate and it also offers the best connectivity.

BEST PLACE TO STAY: One of the most well-appointed and graceful hotels in the world, Regent Berlin is the personification of eternal sophistication and flawless service, set in the heart of Berlin’s significant Mitte district, overlooking stunning Gendarmenmarkt Square.

culiNarY JourNEYs

Einsunternull preserve

Einsunternull , Berlin

Anja Sperling owner's daughter runs the OLDEST RESTAU-RANT IN BERLIN and her brother is the chef in the same family owned restaurant in berlin www.tlfmagazine.com

An Italian FeastIf you are looking for a meal that looks like a piece of art, progressive in its presentation and structure but rich in the goodness of flavours that come out of traditional Italian kitchens then Bella Cucina is the place for you

This is Chef Amit Kumar’s beautiful kitchen, where, like an artist he whips up one beautiful dish after another. The beauty is not just in the “Instagram friendly" appearance of the dishes but also in the truly authentic flavours and the gorgeous portion sizes. Begin with a Cappuccino of Mushroom with Porcini Brioche, the soup creamy yet light and

the bread soft and delicious. The salads are fresh, crispy and full of zest—It snowed goats cheese on our Beetroot and Rocket leaves salad! The main course offers signature handmade pastas, thin crust pizzas, garlic bread and a wide selection of imported seafood, meats and grills. We tried a classic risotto, prawn ravioli and the Australian lamb rack and the most delicious Tiramisu and espresso mousse. Even though we sampled a lot of dishes, but the portion sizes made it easy for us to relish it all without carrying the guilt of over-stuffing ourselves.

The cuisine at Bella Cucina is influenced by the Northern and Central regions of Italy, served in a pristine creamy sandstone and travertine marble finish ambience with grand chandeliers, rich colourful leather seating, and playful coming together of artistic pieces, which will transport you straight to the regions of Italy - its culture and cuisine. And the icing on the cake? All this is available at truly affordable prices, a meal for two will cost between INR 2000-INR 2500.

Chef’s recommendationCompressed Beetroot, Cappuccino of Mushroom, Porcini Brioche, Cannelloni, Boscaila, Australian LambRack&ChileanSeaBass.

Bella Cucina, Le Meridien Gurgaon, Sector 26, M.G. Road, Gurgaon-Delhi Gurgaon Border/ email: [email protected]/9811 766372

An opulent dining ambience

Tiramisu

Australian Lamb Rack

Espresso Coffee Mousse

Rocket leaf and Beetroot salad with Goatscheese


culiNarY JourNEYs

Breakfast at Number 31

This new eatery in Defence Colony, Delhi offers scrumptious options to kickstart your day

A hearty breakfast platter would definitely fuel you for a day of work and play. From pancakes, eggs and waffles to steamed dumplings and pan fried gyozas, Super

Food Breakfast or full English Breakfast, the expert chefs at Number 31 will take you on a culinary tour—sample the Greek and Devilled avocados, feast on the Tofu bahn mi, and chomp up a Teppanyaki burger.

Spread across three floors, the place offers a lot of space. Each floor has something distinct to offer - The first with its vibrant and comfortable tall chairs, the second with a live sushi station where you can catch the talented chefs in action, the terrace with a view of the city, offering the perfect setting for an intimate meal. The white and turquoise surroundings with plush upholstery makes the ambience lavish. The restaurant can even double up as your workstation or a brunch spot to spend a lazy afternoon in.

A great start to the day at Number 31


31, Defence Colony Market, Defence Colony, New DelhiMeal for two- INR 1600Timings- 8 AM to 11:30 PM011 33107542

Keeping in mind the growing demand for multi-cuisine restaurants, Number 31 is as efficient in tossing Pancakes as it is in rolling up Sushis. It manages to strike a harmonious balance between maintaining the authenticity of Asian flavours, while including continental dishes in its diverse menu. It happens to be Delhi’s first Sushi and Dimsum bar, whipping up an eclectic variety of rolls and dumplings. And that’s not all. Making use of the indigenous ingredients incorporated in Asian dishes, you will find many dishes with shitake mushrooms, salmon, prawns and tofu which are characteristic of the cuisine.


LOUNGEculiNarY JourNEYs

SMALL BITESCompiled by TLF Desk

Lip smacking new additions to the menu at Ssaffron, the Indian specialty restaurant at Shangri-La Hotel, Bengaluru

Ssaffron, offers royalty cuisine from regions of India with em-phasis on Punjab, Hyderabad, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and home style cooking. It welcomed New Year with the launch of its new menu. Executive Chef, Anurudh Khanna along with

his indigenous culinary brigade has added a creative touch to the menu to bring a refreshing change to Bengaluru’s dining scene.

Ssaffron will continue to showcase the rich culinary delights from different parts of India that define the national cuisine. From tender grilled meats, succulent kebabs, curries prepared in a rich marinade of spices, assortment of Indian breads, aromatic rice to hand crafted sweets and traditional desserts, the menu will celebrate the time hon-

oured culinary legacy that has dominated the royal kitchens of India.

Elevating heritage Indian dishes, guests will enjoy mouth-watering delights like Silbatta ke Tikkey, Murgh Hazari, Meen Kozhambu, Haleem Tarkari, Karuveppilai Poondu Kozhambu and Zaraja Par-antha Traditional and contemporary sweet temptations like Chakar Ada Pradaman, Rangoli Kulfi and Khubani ka Meetha to culminate the meal will turn the dining experience into a lasting memory that guests will savour long after they have left. Located on 18th floor of the hotel with a seating capacity of 154 covers, both indoors and alfresco.

Timings: Lunch between 12 noon and 3:00 pmDinner between 7:00 and 11:30 pm, on all seven days of the week.

For reservations guests can call +91 80 4512 6430 or e-mail [email protected].

More to Savour at Ssaffron

A Cup of tea with StarbucksStarbucks introduces Starbucks® Teavana™ India Spice Majesty Blend a new tea blend created in partnership with Tata Global Beverages to provide an elevated tea experience

Tata Starbucks Pvt. Ltd. has announced the introduction of Starbucks® Teavana™ beverages as a core offering across its 88 stores in India. On offer is an entirely modern and reim-agined tea experience for Indian customers, with a range

of 18 distinct tea offerings including an Indian signature tea, iced teas, brewed hot teas and tea lattes with bold, layered flavours hand-crafted in the way only Starbucks can. An invigorating blend of full leaf Assam black tea with rich spice in-fusion of whole cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, pepper, star anise and ginger, India Spice Majesty Blend brings alive the romance of serene tea plantations and sparks rejuvenation in every corner of the soul. In addition to the signature innovation, one can experience global


Starbucks® Teavana™ favorites including Youthberry™ white tea, Hibiscus Herbal Infusion as well as the limited time handcrafted offerings from Starbucks – Matcha & Espresso Fusion, Black Tea with Ruby Grapefruit and Honey and Iced Shaken Hibiscus with Pomegranate Pearls.

So go grab a cup of tea!

Available at Starbucks across India

eatwithIndiaShantanu Mahanta and Sonal Saxena’s eatwithIndia allows you to

enjoy meals served by the custodians of the recipes themselves. These custodians could be the professional chefs who dish out their best at a chef ’s table, or home chefs who introduce us to

age old recipes which have been passed on over generations or royal families who allow a peek into their traditional culinary heritage.Put together in a pop-up style, your dining experience with eatwithIndia rivals that of a traditional restaurant experience. Expert chefs prepare multi-course dinners for an evening of fun, social dining, connecting adventurous foodies together on communal tables, breaking the mould of individual dining and reflecting the belief that communities and friendships are formed over food. From Kashmiri to Kerala cuisine, you can choose to dine with a celebrity chef at his home or be hosted by a royal family at their palace or be hosted by someone in your neigh-borhood who cooks the best Goan meal. These chefs are the newage ambassadors of Indian Food.

Upcoming Event: The Magic of Goaby Crescentia Scolt Fernandes Guest ChefWhen: 4th March 8pm-11pmWhere: 1701, Tower 9, C GurgaonPrice: INR 1200 per personFind our more on www.eatwithindia.com


Gaylord: Home to Great TasteSample great European and Mughlai flavours at the Gaylord restaurant Mumbai

Allow yourself to be enveloped in a European bistro-like charm.

Potted palms in the garden area, a beautiful wooden trellis, old-world wrought iron chairs and Italian marble table tops welcome you to this charming bistro that exudes a European vibe but serves the most delightful blend of European and Mughlai cuisine

The warmth and hospitality of the restaurant that has captivated the hearts of three generations awaits to embrace you in an oasis amidst Churchgate, one of the busy streets of South Mumbai. At Gaylord Mumbai, the cuisine straddles the electric best of North Indian and Continental.

Be it succulent kebabs from the Tandoor (clay oven), aromatic curries, fresh seafood from the Arabian Sea, steaming biryanis, and a variety of Indian naans and rotis or classical continental dishes such as chicken a la kiev, lobster thermidor, lamb stroganoff, vegetable au gratin, vegetable irish stew, there is a lot to choose from!

The bar on the upper level of the restaurant is stocked with the choicest wines and spirits from across the world, from cognac and champagne to scotch and an array of cocktails and mocktails, offers a truly elevating experience.

The highly popular Gaylord Bake Shop in the adjacent space operating since its inception in 1956 was a first for a standalone restaurant in the city.

Mayfair Building, VN Road, Churchgate Mumbai Maharashtra - 400020 [email protected]

culiNarY MappiNG


www.tlfmagazine.com

Nature’s Spa: The Dead SeaJordan’s contribution to the global wellness industry is an array of products that derive their ingredients from the Dead Sea. But why settle for a face pack or an under eye cream when you can take a dip in the reservoir of goodness.

Jordan’s Dead Sea coast is one of the most spectacular natural and spiritual landscapes in the world, and it remains as enticing to in-ternational visitors today as it was to kings, emperors, traders, and prophets in antiquity. For the modern day luxury traveller, who

likes to follow a day at the sea with massages on a soft comfortable bed, sipping exotic herbal tea, there are luxurious 5 star hotels like the Mov-enpick Hotel and Resort, the Jordan Valley Marriott and the Kempenski Ishtar Hotel.

So what is it that makes this sea therapeutic? The water contains abnor-mally high amounts of salt, which might not let the flaura and fauna flourish but is soothing for the skin. Besides the salt there also are 21 minerals including high levels of magnesium, sodium, potassium, and bromine, out of which 12 are only found here.

Also, you don't need to know how to swim as you shall never sink in this sea! The salt content of the water is 31.5 per cent making the water so buoyant that it is impossible for the visitor to sink.Studies have shown the combination of the Dead Sea water and the rich black mud found along the shoreline to have significant health benefits including increasing circulation, easing discomfort from arthritis, heal-ing allergies, and revitalising skin. The Dead Sea region is also blessed with ozone and oxygen rich air, low pollution, year round bright skies with UV filtered sunlight, and per-haps most famously, its mineral rich water and sea mud. Indeed there are few places on earth that are as naturally therapeutic or so conducive to spa wellness journeys!

WEllNEss

Jordan offers an array of luxury resorts with great amenities

Continue to be pampered even after a day at the sea, at one of the spas


Here are some of the treatments offered at the spas at the Dead Sea:

Dead Sea Hammam Ritual - This indulgent ritual cleanses, polishes and replenishes the entire body using nutrient rich ingredients from the Dead Sea, and concludes with an application of moisturiser.

Dead Sea Salt Body Scrub - A generous amount of pure Dead Sea salt soaked in hydrating oil creates the perfect exfoliant to remove dead cells, deep cleanse and refresh skin for regeneration. A final applica-tion of moisturiser will leave you feeling silky smooth from top to toe.

Dead Sea Mud Wrap – The unique minerals found in Dead Sea mud are revered for their ability to expel impurities and toxins from the body, whilst reviving, nourishing and toning skin.

Dead Sea Salt Bath – Soak in the uniquely therapeutic and beautify-ing powers of mineral salts from the Dead Sea, experiencing a sense of lightness and deep relaxation that you are not likely to have felt before.

Detoxifying Treatment – Skin is deep cleansed and polished with Dead Sea salt in preparation for a massage using detoxifying aroma-therapy oil. Your entire body is then coated in warm Dead Sea mud, and while cocooned in a comforting foil wrap, you enjoy a heavenly scalp massage as the active ingredients work to purify, decongest and stimulate your entire system.

Anti Cellulite Treatment – Dead Sea black mud helps to remove ex-cess cellulite by stimulating the lymphatic system, and is combined with a specialist anti-cellulite aromatherapy oil blend of juniper, rose-mary, cypress, geranium, lemon and grapefruit for optimum results.

Dead Sea Rejuvenating Facial - This facial uses a rich Dead Sea black mud mask which exerts a tightening effect on the skin. While a combi-nation of herbs, geranium essential oil and pure honey work to nourish and purify, leaving your complexion feeling firmer, silkier and younger.

Dead Sea Foot Ritual – This delicate, nutritive treatment is in-fused with Dead Sea minerals to revive tired feet, restore circula-tion and relieve tension, leaving you completely energised. Enjoy a series of invigorating exfoliation, relaxing massage and deeply detoxifying mask.

At 410m below sea level, the Dead Sea is the lowest place

on earth.

All spas use ingredients from the Dead Sea


www.tlfmagazine.com

Hammamat Ma’in / Ma’in Hot SpringsEach year thousands of visitors enjoy the mineral-rich healing waters of the hyper-thermal waterfalls. Situated at Ham-mamat Ma’in is Evason Re-sort. The Six Senses Spa at the resort offers services like mud wraps, hydro-jet baths and showers, underwater massages, mud facials, electrotherapy and cosmetology treatments. The natural hot springs offers the guests with the luxury of pri-vate hot spring water pool.

WEllNEss The salt content of the water is 31.5 per cent making the water so buoy-ant that it is impossible for the visitor to sink


WINTER WELL BEINGat the Spa at the GATEWAY RESORT

The Spa at The Gateway Resort, Damdama Lake, Gurgaon offers a relaxing experience amidst serenity of nature. On offer are four therapy rooms open to a visual private open

courtyard. Nestled in the lap of the Aravalis, The Spa is just the right place for you to gear up for the adventures 2017 holds.

TRY these:

Kizhi Therapy Price: INR 3500 (plus taxes) Duration: 60 MinsThe therapeutic massage begins with an application of warm oil; followed by warm fomentation using small linen bags filled with Indian herbs and spices to sooth the senses and calm the nerves. This calming process nourishes, revitalises and strength-ens the body.

Chocolate Body Scrub & Wrap Price: INR 3500 (plus taxes)Duration: 60 minutesExperience the rare and pure treat of real chocolate, without any guilt with this special treatment. Made with raw Ecuadorian cacao beans, this decadent scrub polishes away dull skin while leaving a delicious aroma for you to breathe in. The luxurious therapy combines the detoxifying abilities of coffee with the moisturising benefits of chocolate, leaving your skin feeling hydrat-ed, soft and silky.


stYlE

Bespoke Bridal: Tarun TahilianiTarun Tahiliani’s designs have always celebrated life and craft—inspired

by the traditional Indian way of layering, draping, wrapping and tucking fabric, prints, colours and more in an unabashed medley. He retains that essence, that flavour in a contemporary fashion.

Offering Bespoke bridal wear by appointment only. Take an appointment by visiting www.Taruntahiliani.com/appointment

Visit a store:DELHIEnsemble EMPORIO, SHOP NO. 351, SECOND FLOOR, EMPORIO MALL, NELSON MANDELA MARG, VASANT KUNJ, 0114606 0980

MEHRAULI, H - 5/12, BLOCK B, KALKA DAS MARG/STYLE MILE ROAD, MEHRAULI, 99 5899 8929

ENSEMBLE SANTUSHTI, 36 SANTUSHTI SHOPPING ARCADE, NEW WILLINGDON CAMP, RACE COURSE, 01126882207

MUMBAIVILLAR VILLE, COLABA, GROUND FLOOR, RAMCHANDANI MARG, APOLLO BUNDER, 02222870895

BANDRA, MI-CASA, JUNCTION OF ST. THERESA ROAD, 28TH ROAD, BANDRA(W) 02226420643

HYDERABAD8-2-577/1/C, ROAD NO. 7, BANJARA HILLS, 04066903377

BENGALURUCOLLAGE BANGALORE, 21, 14/1, WOOD STREET, ASHOK NAGAR, BENGALURU, 0802556 6818

CHENNAICOLLAGE CHENNAI, 153, GREAMS ROAD, 044 4201 3662


63 TLF Magazine april 2016

Celebrate 2017!FEBRUARY: TAIWAN | TAIWAN LANTERN FESTIVAL | 11 February to 19 February in 2017.

Like Indians, the Taiwanese also celebrate festivals with fervor and festivities and it’s the best time for family and friends to get together and celebrate! The festival is held across Taiwan in different cities every year like Taipei, Kaohsiung, Pingxi and Yenshui. The Taipei Lantern Festival is held for several days at the Taipei Expo Park, reaching its peak

on the day of the Lantern Festival itself. There are many traditional lanterns, electromechanical lantern displays, and large themed lanterns sponsored and designed by different companies.

The Kaohsiung Lantern Festival is held along the Love River. During the festival period, both sides of the river as well as Wufu Rd., Heping Rd., Guangzhou St., and other thoroughfares have lantern exhibitions. There are also musical performances, helping to throw the whole city into a festive mood.

The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival is one of the most colorful activities of the Lantern Festival. Pingxi is a remote hillside town. In the past, those who worked or farmed in the mountains faced the risk of being robbed or killed, and they used lanterns to inform their families they were safe. The lanterns do not function as signals anymore, but are now used as symbols of peace and good fortune.

Origin of Lantern FestivalThe Lantern Festival is an ancient Chinese tradition that dates back more than 2,000-years.

The origin of the festival lies in the festive activities of an agricultural people celebrating the lengthening of daylight hours and the coming of spring after the New Year. The festival was actually started by an emperor of the Han dynasty (206 B.C. – 220 A.D.), who was a devout Buddhist and who ordered his people to display lights on the fifteenth night of the first month of the lunar year to pay respects to Buddha. Holding torches or lanterns on this night makes it easier to see deities descending from heaven to give blessings to the earth.

During the Tang dynasty (618–907 AD), the emperors would celebrate the festival by ordering hundreds of beautiful women to sing and dance with lanterns in the brightly lit plaza. These festive activities gradually spread to the common people and developed into the most popular festival in the year after Chinese New Year. The festival is also called the Little New Year.

The Taiwan Tourism Bureau is encouraging visitors to attend the 2017 Taiwan Lantern Festival (February 11-19, 2017) in Yunlin and Lantern Festival activities in other cities and counties.

For Group Visitors• Special Offers:• All visitors who purchase a full-package product that includes a Lantern Festival event in

Taiwan from an overseas travel agent (not including visitors who buy just flight and hotel accommodation) will be given a 2017 Year of the Rooster small handheld lantern; if the itinerary includes attending the 2017 Lantern Festival in Yunlin, a limited edition local Yunlin gift and viewing-stand ticket will also be given (the viewing-stand ticket cannot be used during the opening and closing ceremonies). Each person may receive only one of each gift, available only while stocks last.

• Collection Method:• The local Taiwanese travel agent entrusted by a foreign travel agent shall apply to

the Taiwan Tourism Bureau, MOTC, by e-mail ([email protected]) or fax (02-2771-7036). After approval, notification to collect the gifts will be given.

For Independent Visitors• Special Offers:• International independent travelers who attend the 2017 Lantern Festival will be given a

2017 Year of the Chicken small handheld lantern, a limited edition local gift from Yunlin and a viewing-stand ticket (viewing-stand tickets cannot be used during the opening and closing ceremonies). Each person may receive only one of each gift, available while stocks last.

• Collection Method:• Visit the organizer’s No. 1 service counter at the 2017 Taiwan Lantern Festival in Yunlin

venue between 16:00 and 21:00, February 11-19, 2017 and show passport or entry document to collect the gifts.

Flying lantern Pingxi Taiwan

A Quick Guide to The Valentine’s Day GiftingLuxury for your wrist Swiss luxury watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen revisits the iconic design of the 1980s and presents the 2017 Da Vinci collection, once again with its classic round case. The Da Vinci Automatic 36 and the Da Vinci Automatic Moon Phase 36 are tailored to women, while the Da Vinci Automatic is a unisex model. The two timepieces feature newly developed IWC-manufactured calibres that innovatively combine

and integrate compli-cations. A classic

gifting option.

Happy feetIf your girl loves to walk and has sensi-tive feet then The Crocs Swiftwater flat is a knockout gifting idea! It has a wiggle

room at the front of the shoe so that the toes do not touch the front and protects you

from several foot issues. Featuring the iconic Crocs comfort and cushy foam bed, these are light in weight and high on trend. So, go-ahead and enhance your look with these wear-with-anything flats, this season.Price: INR 3,495

Japanese prints Jaypore has launched their new col-lections Reika, inspired from motifs from Japan. The natural-dyed kur-tas, kaftans, tops are an amalgam of breathable textiles and Japanese floral motifs like the chrysanthemum. A perfect gift for the contemporary classic woman.

The Reika collection starts at INR 1290 and is available on www.jaypore.com

Diamonds will always be a girls best friendGirls love diamonds and the most wearable piece is always earrings.

They go with both Indian and western wear and is all that a girl needs to glam

up any outfit. Orra has some great options which are available at any of the 32 stores of ORRA across 24 cities in India or online at www.orra.co.in

Men accessorise as wellMen love socks and ties! They might own just one pair of denims and one pair of trousers but they sure have a lot of socks and ties in their wardrobe. Propshop24 has some cool gifting options like a tie hanger (INR 600) or these funky socks (INR 295).

www.propshop24.com

BRIDESMAIDS DIARY: FINDINGTHEPERFECTOUTFITThe leading ladies from Team TLF were the bridesmaids at Editor-in-chief Shweta Rajput’s Wedding and picked Nitya Bajaj Birla’s gorgeous designs for their wedding wardrobe

With just a week left for the wedding, we were very close to earning the title of the worse bridesmaids ever— forget everything, we hadn't even figured out our outfits yet. It is not like we did not try—from the

crazy by lanes of Chandini Chowk to the elitist Malls, the pompous boutiques of Hauz Khas Village to plethora of options online- we had seen it all. While there were resplendent lehngas, opulent sarees and rich anarkalis- it was all too much or too less. We decided to head to Shahpur Jat, a friend had recommended a couple of stores + we love the pancakes at Ivy and Bean.

Tucked in the heart of South Delhi, Shahpur Jat, is the hub of Indian wedding wear designers. If you are looking to customise your wedding

SHIVANII opted for a playful floral Lehnga for the wedding and a maroon sequin gown with detachable belt for the reception. Both the outfits are the perfect blend of glamour and tradition. The floral lehnga is playful and elegant at the same time-specially with the subtle gold sequins on the blouse. Gold and ruby earrings, a matching maang tikka and bright yellow bangles added to its richness.

The reception outfit made me feel like royalty it was covered from sequins from waist down. I loved the back, it added oomph to the outfit. Nitya's designs are opulent yet practical. They appeal to young girls and older woman alike and can be styled in various ways to be worn more than one time.

week wardrobe then this is where you should be. There are many options, the designers are mostly available in the stores and the prices are not too high.

We spent an entire evening trying on different outfits but what really caught our fancy was Designer Nitya Bajaj Birla’s beautiful store. A pink outfit dazzled the display window and we could see a lot of sequins. We went in and after briefing Nitya on what we sought she laid out the options. It was an afternoon wedding followed by reception. The dress code was understated elegance and Nitya’s designs were just that.

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Sangeet

Wedding

NATASCHAI was leaning towards the gorgeous gowns that dazzled like diamonds but Shivani reminded me I am the bridesmaid, not the bride! Looking for something not too traditional or too modern, a golden brown taffeta skirt with beaded peplum jacket caught my eye and proved to be perfect. Gold is a classy, elegant option and the asymmetrical peplum made it edgy. It did not need much accessorising. I teamed it up with classic gold earrings and a paasa. A gold Dior clutch and nude Louboutins complimented the outfit.

For the reception I picked a grey tulle gown with threadwork, crystal, sequins and bead-work. The lightness and delicacy of it appealed to me. It came with a belt, which perfectly accentuated my waist. I teamed it with Swarovski earrings.

The outfits were hassle free and didn't require much styling and that is exactly what a bri-desmaid needs—there hardly is time left to get ready with all the running around, helping the bride, and the last meetings chores. These outfits worked out well for me!


Sangeet

Wedding

The happy couple Shweta & Hiten Rajput

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There is a certain class that comes with understated elegance and that is what Ritu Kumar’s bridal collection is all about, she tells us about this season's hottest trends

Describe the style sensibilities of the modern day bride in three words?Understated, trendy and luxuriousWhat are the biggest trends in terms of wedding fashion in this season?Florals and pastel shades seem to be the trend this season. Capes, asymmetrical pieces and traditional lehengas and sarees that are timeless and can be handeddown from mother to daughter are also very much in vogue.What are the big NOs? I think overdoing it- wearing too many embellished pieces at a time or going for a loud look is a big no.

The Understated Bride

66 TLF Magazine February - March 2017 www.tlfmagazine.com

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